Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable PHA copolymers comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units. The present invention further relates to a plastic article comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the biodegradable copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU has the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H, or C.sub.1 or C.sub.2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## and wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet comprising a film comprising a PHA of the present invention and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: A lactic acid polymer composition comprising formulating 100 parts by weight of a mixture consisting of 80-95% by weight of an L-lactic acid polymer having an L-lactic acid proportion of 75% or more and 5-20% by weight of a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of a polyhydric alcohol ester and a hydroxypolycarboxylic acid ester, 0.1-5 parts by weight of an anti-blocking agent having a SiO.sub.2 content of 90% or more and an average particle size of 7-50 nm, and 0.1-2 parts by weight of a slip agent; a molded product and film obtained from the composition; and a preparation process of the same are disclosed. The molded product and film are excellent in processability, transparency, flexibility, anti-blocking property and slip, and can be degraded into harmless water and carbon dioxide under natural environment, when abandoned.

Abstract: A preparation process of a polymer comprising conducting ring-opening polymerization of a 4- to 10-membered ring-opening polymerizable cyclic monomer in the presence of a phosphazenium salt of an active hydrogen compound represented by the chemical formula (1): ##STR1## wherein n is an integer of 1 to 8 and indicates the number of phosphazenium cations, Z.sup.n- is an anion of a n-valent active hydrogen compound derived by releasing n protons from an active hydrogen compound having a maximum of 8 active hydrogen atoms, a, b, c and d are individually a positive integer or 0 and are not all 0 at the same time, R's are the same or different hydrocarbons having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and two R's located on each common nitrogen atom may be coupled together to form a ring structure; or in the presence of the phosphazenium salt of the active hydrogen compound and the active hydrogen compound is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable PHA copolymers comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units. The present invention further relates to a plastic article comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the biodegradable copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU has the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H, or C.sub.1 or C.sub.2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## and wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet comprising a film comprising a PHA of the present invention and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: Hydrogels of polymerized and crosslinked macromers comprising hydrophilic oligomers having biodegradable monomeric or oligomeric extensions, which biodegradable extensions are terminated on free ends with end cap monomers or oligomers capable of polymerization and cross linking are described. The hydrophilic core itself may be degradable, thus combining the core and extension functions. Macromers are polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light, visible light excitation or thermal energy. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. Preferred applications for the hydrogels include prevention of adhesion formation after surgical procedures, controlled release of drugs and other bioactive species, temporary protection or separation of tissue surfaces, adhering of sealing tissues together, and preventing the attachment of cells to tissue surfaces.

Abstract: Copolymers designed for use as particulate carriers containing functionalizable amino subunits for coupling with targeting ligand are described. The copolymers are polyesters composed of .alpha.-hydroxy acid subunits such as D, L-lactide and .alpha.-amino acid subunits such as serine or in the preferred embodiment, terpolymers of D,L-lactide and glycolide and .alpha.-amino acid subunits such as serine. Stable vaccine preparations useful as delayed release formulations containing antigen(s) or antigen(s) and co-adjuvants encapsulated within or physically mixed with ploymeric microparticles are described. The particulate carriers are useful for delivering agents to the immune system of a subject by mucosal or parenteral routes to produce immune responses, including antibody responses.

Abstract: Fine paper that is sized with a 2-oxetanone alkaline sizing agent and that does not encounter machine feed problems in high speed converting or reprographic machines, including continuous forms bond paper and adding machine paper, processes for converting the paper into envelopes, continuous forms bond paper and adding machine paper, and paper products of the processes.

Abstract: A bulk extrusion polymerization process to derive an aliphatic polyester from a suitable ester monomer, preferably .epsilon.-caprolactone. Novel reaction formulations containing less than 100 ppm water and having an acid value less than 0.5 mg KOH/g and preferably less than 0.2 mg KOH/g enable the polymerization of bulk monomer in an extruder in a resident time of less than 2 minutes. Different catalyst and initiator systems, processing protocols, and screw configurations lead to the preferred manufacture of poly(.epsilon.-caprolactone) polymer of number average molecular weight, M.sub.n, greater than 100,000. A novel poly(.epsilon.-caprolactone) intermediate optionally grafted to starch, is described which has significantly different processing and use characteristics as compared to a straight-chain polycaprolactone.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward melt-processable lactide polymer compositions, processes for manufacturing these compositions, and articles made from these compositions. The compositions include a first phase, which contains a polylactide-based polymer, and a second phase which includes elastomer. The elastomer is present in an amount sufficient to provide a polymer composition having an impact resistance of at least about 0.7 ft-lb/in. after the melt-processable polymer composition has been injection molded into bars and tested according to ASTM D256 (1993) method C. Preferably, the compositions also include a reactive compatibilizing agent. Methods of making these compositions and articles made from these compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal resistant resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of polyester (A) having 25-75% by weight of a lactic acid component consisting of 25-75% by weight of a lactic acid-based polymer (a1) and 25-75% by weight of other aliphatic polyester (a2) having a melting point of 100-250.degree. C., and 0.1-70 parts by weight of a crystalline inorganic filler (B) containing 10% by weight or more of SiO.sub.2. The thermal resistant resin composition of the invention performs following function:1) injection molding can be carried out at a mold temperature of Tg or less or around room temperature with a short molding-cycle,2) quick crystallization velocity and satisfactory crystallinity can be attained in the molding step, and3) the molded articles have, as a result, excellent thermal resistance and generate properties of low deterioration of a high polymer component and slow embrittlement in use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the continuous preparation of a polyester-based polymer having excellent quality which is useful as materials for medical care, coatings, and wrapping. In the process for the continuous preparation, a column-type continuous reactor is essentially employed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a biodegradable aliphatic polyester, which comprises polymerization of a precursor of the polyester in the presence of a polyesterification catalyst in an amount of up to 0.1% by weight, based on the weight of the cyclic precursor, and a co-catalyst comprising glycerol or butyrolactone in a weight proportion of not more than three times that of the catalyst.The invention also relates to the use of the resulting biodegradable aliphatic polyester in polymer processing, such as injection molding or compression/press molding.

Abstract: A 2-oxetanone sizing agent that is made from fatty acid(s) containing linoleic acid. Paper that is sized with the 2-oxetanone alkaline sizing agent does not encounter machine feed problems in high speed converting or reprographic machines, so the sizing agent is useful for paper including continuous forms bond paper and adding machine paper, processes for converting the paper into envelopes, continuous forms bond paper and adding machine paper.

Abstract: A coating composition is disclosed that includes:(A) a multi-functional compound having(1) at least one carbamate or urea functional group,(2) at least one other functional group which may or may not be carbamate or urea, and(3) at least one hydrogen bond acceptor group that is not also a hydrogen bond donor group, with the proviso that said multi-functional compound is other than an acrylic polymer or oligomer having carbamate functional or urea groups appended to the acrylic backbone through acrylic ester side chains, a polyester polymer or oligomer that is the polycondensation reaction product of a polyol and a polyacid component, or a polyurethane that is the reaction product of a polyisocyanate component and a polyester polyol component, and(B) a curing agent comprising a plurality of groups that are reactive with the functional groups on compound (A).

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing absorbable segmented copolymers of aliphatic polyesters with a uniform sequence distribution comprising copolymerizing at least two aliphatic polyester monomers wherein one of the monomers will transesterify under copolymerization conditions to form a segmented block copolymer; then quenching the copolymerization by cooling the segmented block copolymer below the temperature at which transesterification will occur in less than 60 minutes.

Abstract: An optically active block polyester copolymer formed of structural units represented by the following general formulas (I) and (II): ##STR1## wherein represents for an asymmetric carbon atom and m and n each represents a natural number in the range of from 300 to 5000 is obtained by subjecting an optically active butyrolactone and a species of lactone other than the optically active butyrolactone to sequential ringopening copolymerization in the presence of a catalyst. This optically active block polyester copolymer possesses a high molecular weight and a high melting point (not less than 130.degree. C.) and forms a biodegradable and hydrolyzable material of high strength capable of tolerating the impacts of actual use.

Abstract: A lactic acid polymer composition comprising formulating 100 parts by weight of a mixture consisting of 80-95% by weight of an L-lactic acid polymer having an L-lactic acid proportion of 75% or more and 5-20% by weight of a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of a polyhydric alcohol ester and a hydroxypolycarboxylic acid ester, 0.1-5 parts by weight of an anti-bloking agent having a SiO.sub.2 content of 90% or more and an average particle size of 7-50 nm, and 0.1-2 parts by weight of a slip agent; a molded product and film obtained from the composition; and a preparation process of the same are disclosed. The molded product and film are excellent in processability, transparency, flexibility, anti-blocking property and slip, and can be degraded into harmless water and carbon dioxide under natural environment, when abandoned.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive composition can be made using a polyester derived from 2-propanoic acid (lactic acid). A thermoplastic resin grade polyester can be formulated into a functional adhesive using adhesive components. A lower molecular weight material can be used as a tackifying resin with a biodegradable/compostable resin in a formulated hot melt adhesive. The adhesive material can be made pressure sensitive and can be made entirely by a degradable by combining the polyester polymer with other biodegradable/compostable ingredients. The resulting adhesive composition that can be used in a variety of applications. The biodegradable/compostable adhesive material can be used as a substitute for non-biodegradable materials made from commercial polymers that resist attack by bacteria, fungi and other microbial populations. The hot melt adhesives can be used in (e.g.) packaging and the manufacture of disposable articles which are made from degradable materials.

Abstract: Acrylate monomers such as methyl methacrylate, or other suitable monomers such as lactams, lactones, or acrylamides, are polymerized by reaction injection molding (RIM) utilizing a combination of organo group-4 catalysts, e.g., a neutral organo catalyst and a cationic organo catalyst. Preferably a Lewis acid is utilized which reacts with the neutral organo catalyst and forms in situ the cationic organo catalyst. Significant exotherms are rapidly generated and result in short cure times and typically in high conversions of at least 95 percent by weight of the monomer. The catalysts of the present invention give good control of tacticity and thus high Tg polymers such as syndiotactic methyl methacrylate can be produced.

Abstract: Aminoaromatic ester polylactone aminocarbamates having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is an alkyl group having from 1 to about 100 carbon atoms or an aralkyl or alkaryl group having from 7 to about 100 carbon atoms;R.sub.2 is an alkylene group of about 2 to 5 carbon atoms;A is a polyamine moiety having at least one basic nitrogen atom;x is an integer from 1 to 25;and y is an integer from 0 to 6. The aminoaromatic ester polylactone aminocarbamates of formula I are useful as fuel additives for the prevention and control of engine deposits.

Abstract: The present invention describes an aliphatic polyoxaamide polymer and blends thereof that may be used to produce surgical devices such as sutures, sutures with attached needles, molded devices, and the like. The aliphatic polyoxaamide of the present invention have a first divalent repeating unit of formula I:[X--C(O)--C(R.sub.1) (R.sub.2)--O--(R.sub.3)--O--C(R.sub.1) (R.sub.2)--C(O)--] Iand a second repeating unit selected from the group of formulas consisting of:[--Y--R.sub.17 --].sub.T, I[--O--R.sub.5 --C(O)--].sub.B, and III([--O--R.sub.9 --C(O)].sub.P --O--) XIand combinations thereof, wherein X and Y are selected from the group consisting of --O-- and --N(R)--, provided both X and Y are not both --O-- and may be blended with a second polymer that is preferably biocompatable.

Abstract: A method is provided for the synthesis of environmentally degradable block copolymers which includes the sequential polymerization of polymer-forming materials in the presence of one or more polymerization reaction accelerants and catalysts. The accelerants are a class of hydrogen-labile compounds which act as polymerization initiators and accelerate the polymerization rate significantly. The environmentally degradable block copolymers produced include those comprising segments of polymers of alkylene oxides, trimethylene carbonates, lactones and cyclic esters of hydroxycarboxylic acids.

Abstract: The block copolymer of polyesters and polycarbonates comprises at least one of each of the constituting units of (I) and (II) having the general formulae: ##STR1## where the sign * indicates an asymmetric carbon atom; R.sub.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are either a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; m and n are respective a natural numbers ranging from 300 to 5000: The block copolymer is obtained by successive ring-opening and copolymerization of optically active .beta.-butyrolactones and cyclic carbonates in the presence of a catalyst.The block polymer obtained has high molecular weight and high melting temperature, and can thus be used as a high strength material for practical use and which has bio-degradable and hydrolyzable nature.

Abstract: In a method for ring opening polymerization in which the polymerization proceeds with the ring opening of a cyclic compound as a monomer, a hydrolase is used as a catalyst.

Abstract: A biodegradable and hydrodegradable diblock copolymer includes a naturally-occurring poly(.beta.-alkanoate) component and a chemically synthesized polyester component formed by ring-opening polymerization. A method of forming the biodegradable and hydrodegradable diblock copolymer having a poly(.beta.-hydroxyalkanoate) component and a chemically synthesized polyester component includes exposing a naturally-occurring poly(.beta.-hydroxyalkanoate) to alcoholysis and then to a trialkyl metal to form a dialkyl metal poly(.beta.-hydroxyalkanoate) macroinitiator. The macroinitiator is then reacted with a lactone or lactide reactant to form the biodegradable and hydrodegradable diblock copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of polyhydroxyl compounds having a hydroxyl group content of 2 to 10% by weight and a viscosity at 23.degree. C. of 250 to 80,000 mPa.s by the radically initiated polymerization at a reaction temperature of 80.degree. to 220.degree. C. ofa) 100 parts by weight of a mixture of olefinically unsaturated monomers containing at least 1% by weight of monomers containing alcoholic hydroxyl groups in the presence ofb) 5 to 500 total parts by weight, which may be present at the beginning of the reaction or added during the reaction, of one or more cyclic compounds which, in the presence of initiator compounds containing alcoholic hydroxyl groups, are capable of a ring-opening polymerization reaction andc) 2 to 300 parts by weight, which may be present at the beginning of the reaction or added during the reaction, of one or more polyhydric alcohols having a molecular weight of 62 to 1000.

Abstract: Orthopedic splint materials made with thermoplastic polyester, particularly poly (epsilon-caprolactone) with a molecular weight of over 5,000 and melting between 50.degree. C. and 100.degree. C. have improved properties when subjected to gamma radiation in the range from 0.5 to 30 megarads.

Abstract: A resin for bonding polyarylene sulfides is disclosed, comprising a copolymer wherein a main constituent element of the repeating unit of the copolymer is --A--Z--R--Z--, wherein --Z--is an ester linkage; A is an arylene sulfide oligomer component block comprising one or more arylene groups; and R is an organic compound residue formed by removing one atom or one group attached to each of two carbon atoms among carbon atoms constituting either an aliphatic main chain or an aromatic ring and has at most a molecular weight corresponding to an oligomer, but is different from A. An adhesive comprising the resin and a pyrrolidone solvent is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a process for the preparation of a carboxylated arylene thioether oligomer, in which an alkali metal sulfide is caused to act on a poly(arylene thioether) so as to depolymerize the poly(arylene thioether), thereby preparing an alkali thiolate-containing oligomer, and a carboxylating agent is then caused to act on the alkali thiolate-containing oligomer, thereby forming the carboxylated arylene thioether oligomer, and a process for the production of an arylene thioether copolymer, wherein the carboxylated arylene thioether oligomer alone, which has been obtained in accordance with this preparation process, or a mixture of the carboxylated oligomer in an amount of at least 50 wt. % and another carboxylic compound in an amount less than 50 wt. % is reacted with an alkylenediol or an alkylenediol and a polyester or an alkylene diol and a lactone.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical devices formed totally or in part from homopolymers or copolymers comprising recurring carbonate moieties.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical devices formed totally or in part from homopolymers or copolymers comprising recurring carbonate moieties.

Abstract: A biodegradable plastic composition for use in production of shaped articles includes polyglycolide and a high molecular weight substance selected from poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid), a copolymer of 3-hydroxybutyric acid and 3-hydroxyvaleric acid, polycaprolactone, polyglutamic acid, polyolefin, polyvinyl alcohol, polyalkylene oxide, cellulose acetate and mixtures thereof, the amount of the polyglycolide being 5-60 % based on the total weight of the polyglycolide and the high molecular weight substance.

Abstract: Curable compositions based on (N-substituted carbamoyloxy)alkanoyloxyalkyl acrylate polymers. When cured the compositions are, for example, high-quality industrial finishes, sealants or encapsulants.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical devices formed totally or in part from homopolymers or copolymers comprising recurring carbonate moieties.

Abstract: A random copolymer comprising, as repeating units,(i) 20 to 90 mol % of 3-hydroxybutyrate unit (3HB) having the formula (I): ##STR1## (ii) 5 to 70 mol % of 3-hydroxyvalerate unit (3HV) having the formula (II): ##STR2## and (iii) 1 to 15 mol % of 4-hydroxyvalerate unit (4HV) having the formula (III): ##STR3## wherein the total of the units 3HB, 3HV, and 4HV is 100 mol %, and having a weight average molecular weight within the range of from 10,000 to 2,500,000 and a production process thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel polycarbonate-based block polymer, and to fibers and bioresorbable implantable medical devices fabricated from said fibers.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a modified addition polymer from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer composition that includes at least one monomer having hydroxyl or carboxyl functionality. The ethylenically unsaturated monomer composition, and a free radical initiator therefor, is dissolved in a solvent-free molten composition maintained at an addition polymerization temperature, the molten composition comprising a cyclic compound reactive via ring-opening with the hydroxyl or carboxyl functionality. The resulting material is useful in the manufacture of paints in liquid or powder form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing degradable, shrinkable films of polyhydroxy acid and plasticizers including melt processing the materials to obtain uniform composition, forming the composition into a film, and biaxially orienting the film. Also, non-shrinkable films are produced by heat-setting the biaxially oriented films at temperature above the composition glass transition temperature and below its melt temperature while maintaining the film under restraint. Films thus produced are useful for disposable, environmentally benign packaging and other conventional film uses.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel polymeric polyamines containing internal urea, biuret, thiourea, dithiobiuret, amide, and/or thioamide moieties, and to polymers prepared therefrom. This invention also relates to novel isocyanate-functional prepolymers containing urea, biuret, thiourea, dithiobiuret, amide, and/or thioamide moieties and to polymers prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A polymerization process to produce polyol polymer useful in the formulation of thermoset coatings, including the polymer so produced, is disclosed. The polymers are characterized as having at least one main chain and a plurality of side chains attached thereto. The polymerization process comprises combining in a solvent, at an elevated temperature and for a predetermined period of time, an addition-polymerizable monomer (that is also a free-radical initiator) together with an ethylenically-unsaturated monomer (having a nucleophilic or an electrophilic moiety), to initiate addition copolymerization of the addition-polymerizable monomer with the ethylenically-unsaturated monomer, whereby propagation of the reaction forms the main chain of the polymer.

Abstract: A process for producing an alkali-soluble graft polymer is disclosed. The graft polymer has at least one main chain and a plurality of side chains attached thereto. The process comprises combining at least one vinylic monomer that is capable of forming free radicals, at least one ethylenically-unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer that is capable of addition-copolymerization with the vinylic monomer in the presence of the thus-formed free radicals, and cyclic ester molecules that are capable of ring-opening in the presence of the carboxylic acid monomer, to produce a polymerizable mixture. the polymerizable mixture to subjected to a preselected temperature and pressure for causing the monomers to free-radically addition-copolymerize to form the main chain while the cyclic ester molecules graft thereon, thereby forming the side chains of the graft polymer. The process is characterized in that the main-chain and side-chain formations of the graft polymer occur substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: Cyclic polycarbonate oligomer compositions are polymerized with lactones in the presence of a catalyst for the polymerization of either. Usually, the lactone is first polymerized at a lower temperature, followed by the cyclic polycarbonate at a higher temperature.

Abstract: The thermosetting resin composition of the present invention is prepared by mixing an aromatic cyanamide compound with a cyclic ester compound and/or a cyclic amide compound. Although a solventless type composition is preferable, the present invention is not limited thereto. The cured product of the present invention can be prepared by heating and curing said thermosetting resin composition. The obtained cured product of the present invention usually contains melamine rings, isomelamine rings and linear polyester and/or a linear polyamide units.

Abstract: A novel copolymer comprising(a) repeating units of the formula:--OCH[(CH.sub.2).sub.p R.sub.f ]CH.sub.2 -- (Ia)or--OCH.sub.2 CH[(CH.sub.2).sub.p R.sub.f ]-- (Ib)wherein R.sub.f is C.sub.3 -C.sub.21 perfluoroalkyl and p is an integer of 1 to 10 and(b) repeating units of the formula:--(OCH.sub.2).sub.m (CH.sub.2).sub.n -- (II)wherein m is an integer of 1 to 4 and n is an integer of 2 to 10 when m is 1, an integer of 1 to 8 when m is 2 or an integer of 0 to (12-2m) when m is 3 or 4,--OCH.sub.2 CR.sup.1 R.sup.2 CH.sub.2 -- (III)wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each hydrogen, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2 Cl, CH.sub.2 F, CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3, CH.sub.2 OC.sub.2 H.sub.5, CH.sub.2 OCOCH.sub.3, CH.sub.2 OC.sub.6 H.sub.5, CH.sub.2 OH or CH.sub.2 CN provided that at least one of them is not hydrogen,--OCH.sub.2 (OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.q -- (IV)wherein q is 2 or 3, and/or--[(R.sup.3).sub.r --COO]-- (V)wherein R.sup.3 is CH.sub.2 or CF.sub.

Abstract: Polyesteramides can be prepared by copolymerizing a cyclic lactone with at least one of an ammonium salt of an alpha, beta unsaturated monocarboxylic acid, an alpha, beta unsaturated nitrile and water and beta-aminopropionic acids and their alkyl derivatives. Polymers with especially good physical properties were prepared by polymerizing caprolactone with one or more ammonium methacrylate, ammonium acrylate, acrylonitrile and beta-alanine. These polymers are useful as molding plastics.

Abstract: This invention relates to the process and the product by process of the polymers formed by the polymerization of polycyclic ring-opening monomers. More particularly, this invention relates to the novel process and product by process of polymers that are produced with near zero shrinkage or expansion during polymerization and are immediately useful for production of strain-free composites, high strength adhesives, precision castings, binders for propellants and as additives to other monomer mixtures to produce a mixture that controls the amount of shrinkage or expansion upon polymerization.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising:(A) at least one spiro-orthoester compound having at least one spiro-orthoester group represented by the formula: [I] ##STR1## wherein n is an integer of 3-5, (B) at least one curing agent selected from the group consisting of organic polybasic acids and their anhydrides,(C) optionally, an epoxy compound having at least one epoxy group, and(D) optionally a cationic polymerization catalyst when the composition comprises ingredient (C).Said composition is small in shrinkage on curing, and provides a cured product of high dimensional accuracy when used as a molding material.

Abstract: Polyesters having a hydroxyl number of from 50 to 400 and containing 20 to 90% by weight of co-condensed .beta.-hydroxybutyric acid units have proved to yield transparent, glossy, elastic and hard coatings.

Abstract: A polymer containing repeating units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, substituted aralkyl, R.sub.3 is hydrogen, alkyl or --CH.sub.2).sub.n COOR.sub.8 where n is an integer of 0 to 10, R.sub.6 is OR or NR.sub.4 R.sub.5, wherein R and R.sub.8 are independently hydrogen or a group derived from a compound containing esterifiable hydroxyl groups, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are independently alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, substituted aralkyl or together comprise an alkylene group.

Abstract: An orthopedic cast made of a thermoplastic polyester having a melting point between 50.degree. C. and 100.degree. C., particularly poly (epsilon-caprolactone) having a weight average molecular weight of over 5,000 subjected to electron radiation in the range from 0.25 to 15.0 megarads.