Abstract: A method for synthesizing functionalized bio-based crosslinkers including forming a first mixture by mixing a bio-based carboxylic acid with an alkaline solution and forming a second mixture containing a functionalized bio-based crosslinker by reacting the bio-based carboxylic acid with a modifier. The modifier includes at least one of an epoxide group and an acrylate group. Reacting the bio-based carboxylic acid with the modifier includes forming a reaction mixture by mixing the first mixture with the modifier and exposing the reaction mixture to at least one of heating, ultrasound radiation, and microwave radiation.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of making fluoropolymer dispersions using certain polyfunctional perfluoropolyether derivatives including a plurality of ionisable groups selected from the group consisting of —SO3Xa, —PO3Xa and —COOXa, whereas Xa is H, an ammonium group or a monovalent metal, and whereas said groups are comprised as pendant groups in the perfluoropolyether chain, and to fluoropolymer dispersions therefrom.

Abstract: A composition including at least one polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) having saturated side chains dissolved in at least one aromatic solvent between 50 g/1 and 200 g/l and preferably between 80 g/l and 180 g/l. The at least one PHA has a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) not greater than 250,000 Da and preferably not greater than 150,000 Da. This composition is particularly suitable as a binder for coating products. The composition can be produced by mixing the PHA with the aromatic organic solvent and heating the mixture at a temperature close to the PHA melting temperature, maintaining the mixture under stirring until complete dissolution of the polymer. Alternatively, the composition can be produced by dissolution of the PHA in a non-aromatic organic solvent having low boiling temperature where the PHA is highly soluble, subsequent addition of the aromatic organic solvent and subsequent removal of the non-aromatic organic solvent by fractional distillation.

Abstract: Provided are a novel 3-hydroxypropionate-lactate block copolymer [P(3HP-b-LA)], and a method for preparing same, comprising: a) transforming a recombinant microorganism modified to be incapable of biosynthesizing lactic acid with a vector including a 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA biosynthesis gene and a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthetase gene, and a vector including a lactate biosynthesis gene and a gene of an enzyme that converts lactate to lactyl-CoA; (b) synthesizing poly(3-hydroxypropionate) (P(3HP)) by culturing the recombinant microorganism using a glycerol as a carbon source; and (c) inhibiting P(3HP) production by adding IPTG and glucose, and biosynthesizing polylactate (PLA) at the end of P(3HP) synthesized in step (b) by enabling the expression of a lactate biosynthesis enzyme and an enzyme that converts lactate to lactyl-CoA. Also provided is a recombinant microorganism produced in step a).

Abstract: A process is described for producing 1,3-butanediol, wherein an ester of poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate such as formed by transesterification with an alcohol is reduced by hydrogenation in the presence of a skeletal copper-based catalyst to provide 1,3-butanediol. The 1,3-butanediol may be transesterified by reaction with additional poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate ester to produce (R)-3-hydroxybutyl (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate.

Abstract: The invention discloses a class of new polymers, trans-ring-fused poly(4-hydroxybutyrate)s (RF-P4HB) that exhibit a unique set of properties, including robust thermal stability and mechanical strength, quantitative recyclability to the building block monomers via thermolysis and/or chemical catalysis, and convenient production from the chemical ring-opening polymerization under ambient temperature and pressure. Another unique property is the formation of crystalline stereocomplexed polymers with high melting temperature upon mixing the two enantiomeric RF-P4HB chains via stereocomplexing co-crystallization. This invention also provides the corresponding ring-fused lactone monomer structures that enable the synthesis of the RF-P4HB polymers, through trans-fusing of rings to the parent ?-butyrolactone ring. Furthermore, a polymerization or copolymerization process for the synthesis of RF-P4HB polymers and copolymers is disclosed.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor includes: a piezoelectric sheet which is stretched in a uniaxial direction; an electrode which detects electric charges generated in the piezoelectric sheet; and an optical compensation layer which includes a slow axis stacked on at least one side of the piezoelectric sheet and intersects the uniaxial direction, and optically compensates for a phase difference produced when the piezoelectric sheet is stretched in the uniaxial direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer composites, such as films, having dispersed therein quantum dots, wherein the polymer comprises (b) polymerized units of a first compound comprising from one to 6 thiol groups, the compound having a molecular weight from 300 to 20,000 and having at least one continuous acyclic hydrocarbyl chain of at least three carbon atoms, or, preferably, at least 5 carbon atoms; and (c) polymerized units of a second compound having a molecular weight from 100 to 750 and comprising at least two polymerizable vinyl groups as part of a (meth)acrylate ester group or attached directly to an aromatic ring and, wherein the molecular weight of the first compound minus the molecular weight of the second compound is at least 100. The polymer composites provide more stably dispersed and durable quantum dot compositions for use in, for example, display devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a production method of a block copolymer (PFPEG) formed by PEG fluorenes and thiophene blocks. The block copolymer (PFPEG) increases the conductivity of the electrolyte active material. The binding of both the active material to itself and to the base material increase the flexibility of the copolymer when used in the electrodes of lithium batteries. The present invention also relates to a usage of the block copolymer (PFPEG) in lithium batteries.

Abstract: This invention relates to a microorganism that produces a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) copolymer with a regulated monomer composition ratio and comprises a (R)-specific enoyl-CoA hydratase gene in the genome DNA, wherein a nucleotide sequence upstream of the (R)-specific enoyl-CoA hydratase gene comprises a modification consisting of a substitution(s), a deletion(s), an insertion(s), and/or an addition(s) of one or a plurality of nucleotides so that the expression of the (R)-specific enoyl-CoA hydratase gene is regulated, and to a method for producing a PHA copolymer using the microorganism.

Abstract: A method for preparing high molecular weight poly(L-lactic acid) with high performance, including: a) providing a biogenic guanidine (BG) as a catalyst, and a nontoxic acid salt of an essential metal trace element as an activator (Act), and adding the catalyst, the activator, and L-lactide monomer to a polymerization reactor; b) evacuating under vacuum and charging the polymerization reactor with nitrogen for three consecutive times to remove air, and allowing the L-lactide monomer to undergo bulk polymerization under vacuum. The bulk polymerization includes a first reaction stage and a second reaction stage, which are separately carried out at different temperatures, pressures, and reaction times.

Abstract: A curable precursor composition for a fluoroelastomers, methods of making fluoroelastomers, shaped articles and methods of making shaped articles.

Abstract: Disclosed are a diamine represented by the following formula, a polyimide and a polyamide using the same as the raw material, a cyclized product thereof, and a method for producing the same. In the formula, A represents a single bond, an ether bond, a sulfide bond, CO, CH2, SO, SO2, C(CH3)2, NHCO or C(CF3)2, or a bivalent group having an aliphatic ring, a hetero ring or an aromatic ring, R1 represents a C1-4alkyl group or a halogen group, and each of “a” and “b” independently represents an integer of 0-2, and 1?a+b?4. The polyimide and the polyamide are a fluorescent polyimide and a fluorescent polyamide that are easily soluble in organic solvents to the extent that they can be formed into a film by a wet process when making an optical device, that have heat resistance and strength when formed into a film, and that have superior fluorescent characteristics.

Abstract: This document describes biochemical pathways for producing 5-hydroxypentanoate methyl ester and pentanoic acid pentyl ester using one or more of a fatty acid O-methyltransferase, an alcohol O-acetyltransferase, and a monooxygenase, as well as recombinant hosts expressing one or more of such exogenous enzymes. 5-hydroxypentanoate methyl esters and pentanoic acid pentyl esters can be enzymatically converted to glutaric acid, 5-aminopentanoate, 5-hydroxypentanoate, cadaverine, or 1,5-pentanediol.

Abstract: A method for reducing force needed for ironing a fabric comprising laundering the fabric with a composition comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000 that is terminated with —N—(—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—Cl)2, wherein the linear polyether is deposited on the fabric and reduces the force needed for ironing.

Abstract: A specific region of a polylactic acid sheet is heated by a microwave. To allow the polylactic acid sheet to exhibit piezoelectricity in the thickness direction of the polylactic acid sheet, a high voltage is applied to the heated polylactic acid sheet in the thickness direction of the polylactic acid sheet, and thereby the screw axes of at least a part of the polylactic acid molecules are relatively aligned with the thickness direction. Then the polylactic acid sheet is rapidly cooled, and thereby the polylactic acid molecules are immobilized. The same step is executed for other regions of the polylactic acid sheet, and thereby piezoelectricity is imparted to a wide area of the polylactic acid sheet in the thickness direction. The resultant piezoelectric sheet is capable of exhibiting a high piezoelectricity in the thickness direction.

Abstract: Methods for extracting an extract of volatile odorous compounds from an organic raw material containing odorous compounds is disclosed. The method includes contacting an organic raw material with dimethyl carbonate, as a solvent, in at least one bath at a temperature of 10° C. to 70° C. A liquid organic phase is obtained that includes the dimethyl carbonate charged with volatile odorous compounds and is collected. If the liquid organic phase comprises an immiscible aqueous phase, decanting occurs to separate the dimethyl carbonate charged with odorous compounds therefrom thereby eliminating the aqueous phase. Next, partially eliminating by evaporation forms a pre-concentrated extract of volatile odorous compounds, which is recovered and if water is present, decanting occurs to eliminate the water. Additionally, concentrating the pre-concentrated extract of volatile odorous compounds by evaporation is performed to obtain the extract of volatile odorous compounds.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a liquid dispersant of the formula I wherein T is selected from a polyethylene imine (PEI) or modified PEI moiety, polyvinylamine (PVA) or modified PVA, or polyallylamine (PAA) or modified PAA; B is a branched monomer; R1 and R2 independently of one another are hydrophobic groups; X is B with —OH terminal group, or R1 or R2, q is a number between 5-2000, with the proviso that q is less than the sum of all amine groups of PEI, PVA, PAA; and n is a number of 1-6.

Abstract: A coated thermoplastic film and a method of making the coated film, wherein at least one side of the film is coated with a coating composition, the coating composition comprising the reaction product of a polyalkyleneimine having at least primary nitrogens, and an epoxide compound having at least one epoxide moiety and a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of at least 200 g/mole. The weight of the dried coating compound on each side of the film is within the range from 0.005 g/m2 to 0.100 g/m2, and is especially useful in coating films to allow for printability when the film surface will be exposed to high levels of silicon that might come from, for example, release paper/films.

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: The present invention relates to polymer compositions namely biodegradable segmented block copolymers comprising polyol residues having a number average molecular weight of at least 4000 Daltons and in that the polyols are connected by actual linkages.

Abstract: Bioresorbable compositions for treating skeletal tissue are disclosed. The biomedical compositions are formed from a polylactide polymer, a polyglycolide polymer, or a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymer having a relatively low molecular weight. For instance, the average number molecular weight of the polymer is generally less than 10,000, such as from about 500 to about 5,000. Fumarate groups are incorporated into the low molecular weight polymer that provide crosslinking sites. If desired, ethyl-lene oxide groups and ceramic particles may also be incorporated into the polymer for producing compositions having a variety of properties. For example, the biomedical composition of the present disclosure can be used to treat soft skeletal tissue or to treat hard skeletal tissue. The biomedical compositions are biodegradable and can contain various therapeutic, beneficial and pharmaceutical agents that may be released during degradation of the polymer.

Abstract: A partially esterified epoxy resin and an epoxy resin composition applied with the same, and a method for preparing the composition are provided. The preparation method includes the following steps. A bifunctional epoxy resin and an anhydride are mixed and heated, wherein the number of equivalent moles of the bifunctional epoxy resin is greater than that of the anhydride, to form a partially esterified epoxy resin. A curing agent is mixed into the partially esterified epoxy resin to form a mixed solution. The mixed solution is cured to form the partially esterified epoxy resin composition.

Abstract: A process for producing lactic acid from glycerol using a reaction mixture comprising glycerol, a dehydrogenation catalyst (preferably a copper-based catalyst), an alkaline component, and water.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing a medical grade biodegradable material, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), copolycondensation of lactic acid and glycolic acid catalyzed by biomass creatinine. The present invention uses commercialized creatinine (a type of biomaterial organic guanidine compounds—the arginine metabolite creatinine (CR) in human body) as the catalyst and industrial lactic acid (LA, mass content 85%, aqueous solution) and glycolic acid (GA, 95%) as the monomer to synthesize the high biosafety of medical poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) in terms of two steps polycondensation without solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high molecular weight polylactic acid synthesized by using a method for synthesizing and catalytically-polycondensing bionic creatinine-guanidinium chloride. Creatinine is used as the material in a reaction with aqueous hydrochloric acid to synthesize a bionic creatinine-guanidinium salt catalyst, creatinine-guanidinium chloride (CR.Cl). The creatinine-guanidinium chloride synthesized is used as a catalyst, an industrial grade lactic acid (LA, 85% to 90%, aqueous solution) is used as a monomer, a solvent-free two-step polycondensation method is used to synthesize and afford metal-free and toxic residue-free polylactic acid featuring high biological safety and high molecular weight.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for targeted controlled drug release. The compositions and methods can be used for treating or imaging vascular stenosis, stenotic lesions, occluded lumens, embolic phenomena, thrombotic disorders and internal hemorrhage.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for preventing dusting problems in mineral supplement. The method involves treating the mineral supplement or a dust releasing material with a composition comprising polymerized organic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a 4-hydroxybutyrate, 1,4-butanediol, or other product pathway and being capable of producing 4-hydroxybutyrate, 1,4-butanediol, or other product, wherein the microbial organism comprises one or more genetic modifications. The invention additionally provides methods of producing 4-hydroxybutyrate, 1,4-butanediol, or other product or related products using the microbial organisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a polyester resin comprising dicarboxylic acid units and diol units, wherein at least a portion of the diol units is a diol unit having a cyclic acetal skeleton, the method comprising specific steps (1) to (4-2).

Abstract: Compositions of P4HB with high purity have been developed. The compositions are prepared by washing P4HB biomass prior to solvent extraction, and precipitating P4HB from solution. The same solvent is preferably used to wash the P4HB biomass, and as a non-solvent to precipitate the polymer from a P4HB solvent solution. The highly pure P4HB compositions are suitable for preparing implants. The implants may be used for the repair of soft and hard tissues.

Abstract: A method of making a fluoropolyether elastomer containing triazine groups and having a glass transition temperature of less than ?40° C.

Abstract: Compositions of P4HB (poly-4-hydroxybutyrate) and copolymers thereof, have been developed for pultrusion, as well as processes to produce profiles from these compositions by pultrusion. These pultrusion processes provide profiles without causing structural damage to the surface of the profile. The profiles may be used in medical applications. These compositions include P4HB, and copolymers thereof, having intrinsic viscosities less than 3.2 dl/g but greater than 0.8 dl/g. The profile may be formed using conditions such as: pull rate of 0.1 to 100 mm/min, die temperature of up to 95° C., rod stock temperature up to 95° C., draw ratio of up to 100×, pulling force of greater than 10 MPa, and clamping pressure at least 10% higher than the pulling force. Preferably, the profile is formed by pulling the rod stock through a series of dies placed at intervals with the hole sizes decreasing in diameter by 0.1 to 10 mm.

Abstract: A method of producing lactic acid includes removing glycerol from an aqueous lactic acid solution containing glycerol as an impurity using an ion-exchange resin. The lactic acid can be separated simply and at low cost from an aqueous lactic acid solution containing glycerol as an impurity.

Abstract: The invention provides method for sequestering or trapping L-lactate in or near a tumor cell comprising contacting an isolated polymer of D-lactic acid (PDLA) or an equivalent, derivative or analog thereof with the tumor cell so that the PDLA binds L-lactate in or near the cell and thereby sequestering or trapping L-lactate in or near the tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention related to compositions and methods of producing polyesters with two and/or more different structural units and the materials of polyesters with structure sequence exactly specified therefore produced, and various articles produced from such exactly sequenced polyesters. More particularly, homogeneous copolymers with precisely defined sequences of various hydroxyl acids and their derivatives are produced according to the present invention.

Abstract: A polymer composite composed of a polymerized mixture of functionalized carbon nanotubes and monomer which chemically reacts with the functionalized nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes are functionalized by reacting with oxidizing or other chemical media through chemical reactions or physical adsorption. The reacted surface carbons of the nanotubes are further functionalized with chemical moieties that react with the surface carbons and selected monomers. The functionalized nanotubes are first dispersed in an appropriate medium such as water, alcohol or a liquefied monomer and then the mixture is polymerized. The polymerization results in polymer chains of increasing weight bound to the surface carbons of the nanotubes. The composite may consists of some polymer chains imbedded in the composite without attachment to the nanotubes.

Abstract: A method for producing polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) comprises the steps of culturing in a culture medium comprising pyrolysis wax obtained from the pyrolysis of polyethylene and optionally a surfactant one or more bacterial strains which are capable of accumulating PHA from pyrolysis wax, and recovering the PHA from the culture medium. Typically, the bacterial strains are selected from the group consisting of: A. calcoaceticus BD413; A. calcoaceticus RR8; B. sepacia RR10; P. aeruginosa 3924; P. aeruginosa GL-1; P. aeruginosa PAO1; P. aeruginosa RR1; and P. olevorans.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomer synthesized by a reacting epoxidized vegetable oil with carboxylic acid to form the elastomer compound. More specifically, disclosed herein is an elastomer compound having a polyester component. The method for making the elastomer comprises mixing a polybasic acid with an alcohol solvent to form a solution, reacting said solution having carboxylic groups with epoxidized vegetable oil, and heating the solution at a range of approximately 50° C. to 80° C., wherein an amorphous polyester elastomer is formed. Also disclosed is an elastomer foam product formed by a reacting epoxidized vegetable oil with carboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of processing lignocellulosic material to obtain hemicellulose sugars, cellulose sugars, lignin, cellulose and other high-value products. Also provided are hemicellulose sugars, cellulose sugars, lignin, cellulose, and other high-value products.

Abstract: Provided is a cationically polymerizable resin which is rapidly cured upon irradiation with light and forms a cured product excellent in flexibility and thermal stability. The cationically polymerizable resin is obtained through radical polymerization of an oxetane-ring-containing (meth)acryloyl compound represented by following Formula (1) alone or in combination with another radically polymerizable compound. In the formula, R1 represents hydrogen atom or methyl group; R2 represents hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; and “A” represents a linear or branched chain alkylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of short-chain polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymers which include C3 to C5 3-hydroxyacyl monomers. The process includes culturing a native microorganism capable of synthesizing polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymers using as a carbon source an amount of glycerol, levulinic acid and mixtures thereof that drives the microbial synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polylactic acid film or sheet having tear strength so as not to break or tear during, for example, production or processing of the film or sheet or winding thereof into a roll, and causing neither melt nor deformation at high temperatures more than 100° C. In the polylactic acid film or sheet according to the present invention, the tear strength is not less than 100 N/mm when the film or sheet is torn at least in a flow direction (MD), a rate of dimensional change due to heating is not more than ±3% in the flow direction (MD) and a transverse direction (TD), and a rate of dimensional change due to loaded heating is not more than ±3% in the flow direction (MD).

Abstract: Disclosed is a cationically polymerizable resin composition which includes an oxetane-ring-containing vinyl ether compound (A) and/or an alicyclic-epoxy-containing vinyl ether compound (B); and an oligomer or polymer (C) having a molecular weight of 500 or more, being liquid at 0° C., and containing at least one of structures represented by following Formulae (1a) to (1f), wherein Rx represents hydrogen atom or methyl group; R1 to R3 each independently represent a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; “a” is an integer of from 0 to 5; and “b” is 1 or 2. This cationically polymerizable resin composition has a low viscosity, is easy to work, cures extremely rapidly upon irradiation with light, and can give a cured object excellent in flexibility, thermal stability, and bendability after heat treatment.

Abstract: The synthesis of certain medium and long chain ?-hydroxy esters and certain ?-hydroxy fatty acids is disclosed. Such ?-hydroxy esters and ?-hydroxy fatty acids are derived from natural oils, and their corresponding polymers were obtained by melt polycondensation. Additionally, the present effort investigates the effects of structural and molecular parameters on the thermal and mechanical properties of ?-hydroxy ester based polymers. Additionally, the present effort investigates the co-polymerization of ?-hydroxy ester based polymers.

Abstract: Methods to produce thermoforms from P4HB homopolymer and blends thereof have been developed. These thermoforms are produced from films and sheets including P4HB, wherein the intrinsic viscosity of the P4HB is less than 3.5 dl/g, but greater than 0.35 dl/g, and the thermoforms are produced at a temperature equal to or greater than the softening point of P4HB, and more preferably at a temperature higher than the melting point of P4HB. A preferred embodiment includes a P4HB thermoform wherein a film or sheet including a P4HB polymer is thermoformed at a temperature between its melting point and 150° C. In a particularly preferred embodiment the thermoform is a laminate made from a P4HB film and a P4HB mesh.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to linear, biodegradable polyesteramide (PEA) polymers synthesized with repeating units derived from aminophenol esters and diacids. These PEAs have a monomer repeat represented by as well as a variety of uses to coat, form or comprise medical devices, combination medical devices and pharmaceutical compositions, including sustained release formulations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymeric materials comprising biodegradable, dioxanone-based copolymers and implantable devices (e.g., drug-delivery stents) formed of such materials. The polymeric materials can also contain at least one additional biocompatible moiety, at least one non-fouling moiety, at least one biobeneficial material, at least one bioactive agent, or a combination thereof. The polymeric materials are designed to improve the mechanical, physical and biological properties of implantable devices formed thereof.

Abstract: A process to produce polycarbamate comprising providing urea in liquid form; and adding the urea in liquid form to a polyol in a reduced gradient profile to form polycarbamate product is provided. Also provided are: (a) a reaction product of the process and (b) an apparatus for operating the process.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a production process of an ?-hydroxy acid having a sufficient quality as a polymer raw material, which process does not produce a large amount of waste as a byproduct and is economical. The present invention provides a production process of an ?-hydroxy acid having a step of adding a basic metal to an ?-hydroxy acid ammonium salt to yield an ?-hydroxy acid metal salt and a step of desalting the ?-hydroxy acid metal salt to yield the ?-hydroxy acid.