Abstract: A biopolyester which is poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) or poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) copolymer and has a reduced calcium content. It has improved thermal stability due to the reduced calcium content.

Abstract: Polyglycolic acid particles comprising polyglycolic acid having (a) at least 70% by mol of a glycolic acid repeating unit, (b) Mw of 30,000 to 800,000, (c) Mw/Mn of 1.5 to 4.0, (d) a melting point of 197 to 245° C. and (e) a melt crystallization temperature TC2 of 130 to 195° C., and having (i) an average particle diameter (D50) of 3 to 50 ?m, and preferably having (ii) D90/D10 of 1.1 to 12, a production process of the particles, including a solution-forming step of dissolving polyglycolic acid in an aprotic polar organic solvent at 150 to 240° C.; a cooling step of cooling the solution to 140° C. or lower at a rate less than 20° C./min to obtain a suspension of polyglycolic acid particles; and a separation step, and a slurry, (powder) coating or toner containing the particles.

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: Disclosed is a copolymer resin composition including a lactic acid copolymer, the lactic acid copolymer containing monomer units represented by the following chemical formulas [1], [2], and [3], wherein a content of a monomer unit represented by the chemical formula [3] is 50 mol % or more and 95 mol % or less, a weight-average molecular weight of the lactic acid copolymer is 20,000 or more and 1,000,000 or less, and a deflection temperature of the lactic acid copolymer under load is 65° C. or higher and 100° C. or lower at a bending stress of 1.80 MPa.

Abstract: A film comprising a polylactic acid and polypropylene blend having a haze of from about 10% to about 95% and a gloss 45° of from about 50 to about 125. A method of producing an oriented film comprising blending polypropylene and polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend, forming the polymeric blend into a film, and orienting the film. A method of producing an injection molded article comprising blending polypropylene and polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend, injecting the polymeric blend into a mold, and forming the article.

Abstract: Enhanced oligomeric polyols are reported. The enhanced oligomeric polyols may be prepared by a method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an oligomeric polyol that comprises at least one glycerol fatty acid ester having at least one glycerol fatty acid ester bond; wherein at least 5% of the ethyldenyl groups (*C?C*) in the glycerol fatty acid ester are substituted with a bonding structure selected from the group consisting of: C-*C—C*-C; O-*C—C*-O; C=*C—C*-C, and mixtures thereof, where * is used to denote the original carbon atoms in the ethylidenyl group; and (b) cleaving at least a portion of the glycerol fatty acid ester bonds to form the enhanced oligomeric polyol. The enhanced oligomeric polyols are useful in making polymers such as polyurethanes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a direct polycondensation method for medical biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) using creatinine catalyzed lactic acid. The 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 85-90%, aqueous solution) as the monomer to synthesize the high biosafety of medical PLA in terms of second polycondensation without solvent (identity). Instead of tin catalysts having cytotoxicity, the catalyst used in the invention has high biocompatibility and biosafety. The synthesized PLA does not contain any metal and other toxic components; therefore, it can be used as the carrier for targeting drugs and controlled release drugs. In addition, the green catalyst and green processing method (no solvent applied and no toxic products produced) are used in the invention to synthesize the green biodegradable PLA with high biosafety.

Abstract: A protective film-forming composition comprising a polymer comprising fluorinated alcohol units of the structure: —C(CF3)2OR1 wherein R1 is H or a monovalent hydrocarbon group and having a Mw of 1,000-500,000 is applied onto a resist film to form a protective film thereon. The protective film-forming composition has high water repellent and water slip performance. The protective film exhibits barrier properties to water and prevents any resist components from being leached out in water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of polymer chemistry and more particularly to multiblock copolymers and micelles comprising the same. Compositions herein are useful for drug-delivery applications.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a process for forming polymeric nanoparticles, which comprises using a static mixer to create a mixed flowing stream of an anti-solvent, e.g., by introducing a liquid anti-solvent into a static mixer, and introducing a polymer solution into the mixed flowing anti-solvent stream such that controlled precipitation of polymeric nanoparticles occurs. The nanoparticles can then be separated from the anti-solvent steam.

Abstract: A method for forming decorative grass and packaging materials from renewable and/or biodegradable polymer materials is provided. Methods of utilizing the renewable and/or biodegradable decorative grasses and packaging materials are also provided.

Abstract: Polyester compositions and functionalized polyester compositions are provided along with methods of making the compositions as well as methods of using the compositions, for example as a tissue engineering bioscaffold and as a drug-delivery vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a poly(ethersulfonimide or ethersulfonamide) copolymer using cyclic oligomers, and more particularly, to a method for preparing a poly(ethersulfonimide or ethersulfonamide) copolymer by preparing a cyclic ether sulfone oligomer and a cyclic imide or amide oligomer and subjecting the cyclic ether sulfone oligomer and the cyclic imide or amide oligomer to ring-opening copolymerization in the presence of an alkali metal fluoride catalyst.

Abstract: Provided herein are gas and/or temperature assisted electrospinning apparatus, processes, components and polymer nanofibers.

Abstract: A film comprising a polylactic acid and polypropylene blend having a haze of from about 10% to about 95% and a gloss 45° of from about 50 to about 125. A method of producing an oriented film comprising blending polypropylene and polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend, forming the polymeric blend into a film, and orienting the film. A method of producing an injection molded article comprising blending polypropylene and polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend, injecting the polymeric blend into a mold, and forming the article.

Abstract: Provided is a radically polymerizable resin which has a low viscosity, has excellent workability, and is rapidly cured upon application of heat and/or light to form a cured product having excellent flexibility and thermal stability. The radically polymerizable resin composition is obtained by cationic polymerization of an oxetane-ring-containing (meth)acrylic ester compound represented by following Formula (1) alone or in combination with another cationically polymerizable compound. In Formula (1), 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 4 to 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Provided is a radical-polymerizable resin capable of giving a cured material which is satisfactorily flexible, can relax stress upon usage as an adhesive, and does not cause disadvantages such as separation at the adhesive interface or breakage of an adherend, which stress occurs between the adhesive and the adherend upon heating or cooling and is caused by difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between them. The radical-polymerizable resin is obtained through cationic polymerization of a compound represented by any of following Formulae (1a) and (1b) and a compound represented by any of following Formulae (2a), (2b), (2c), (2d), (2e), and (2f). The radical-polymerizable resin is liquid at 0° C. and has a weight-average molecular weight of 500 or more. Symbols in the formulae are as defined in the description.

Abstract: Provided is a polymerizable compound represented by the following general formula (ca-1) or (cb-1): wherein the variables in the formulae are defined in the specification.

Abstract: A cement dispersant that includes a copolymer resulting from a reaction of components (A) to (C), where: (A) is an ester compound obtained by adding 0 to 10 moles of C2-4 alkylene oxide to 1 mole of at least one compound of Formula (1) RO-(AO)n-H (where R is a C1-12 alkyl group, A is a C2-4 alkylene group, and n is an integer of 0 to 7) and subjecting the resulting adduct to a reaction with an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, in which the compound of Formula (1) contains not more than 5% by mass of the constituent compounds having n of 3 or less relative to the total mass of the compound of Formula (1); (B) is an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid or a salt thereof; and (C) is another copolymerizable monomer, where appropriate, or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A cholesteric polymerizable liquid crystal composition excellent in UV curing property and alignment property is provided. The polymerizable liquid crystal composition contains at least one liquid crystal compound selected from compounds represented by Formula (1-1) and Formula (1-2), at least one liquid crystal compound selected from compounds represented by Formula (2), and 5 to 15% by weight of at least one optically active compound selected from compounds represented by Formula (4) and may contain at least one liquid crystal compound selected from compounds represented by Formula (3). The meanings of the symbols in the Formulae are described in the specification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a functional filler which is excellent in dispersibility or interaction with polylactic acid as a matrix polymer and can improve heat resistance, moldability and mechanical strength of the polylactic acid; and a resin composition containing the functional filler. The functional filler of the present invention is characterized in including a raw material filler and polylactic acid, wherein a surface or end the raw material filler is modified by the polylactic acid.

Abstract: A method is provided for functionalizing nanoscale fibers including reacting a plurality of nanoscale fibers with at least one epoxide monomer to chemically bond the at least one epoxide monomer to surfaces of the nanoscale fibers to form functionalized nanoscale fibers. Functionalized nanoscale fibers and nanoscale fiber films are also provided.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from which pyrogen has been removed are provided. PHAs which have been chemically modified to enhance physical and/or chemical properties, for targeting or to modify biodegradability or clearance by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), are described. Methods for depyrogenating PHA polymers prepared by bacterial fermentation processes are also provided, wherein pyrogens are removed from the polymers without adversely impacting the polymers' inherent chemical structures and physical properties. PHAs with advantageous processing characteristics, including low melting points and/or solubility in non-toxic solvents, are also described. The PHAs are suitable for use in in vivo applications such as in tissue coatings, stents, sutures, tubing, bone, other prostheses, bone or tissue cements, tissue regeneration devices, wound dressings, drug delivery, and for diagnostic and prophylactic uses.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of injection molding at low, substantially constant melt pressures. Embodiments of the disclosed method now make possible a method of injection molding that is more energy—and cost—effective than conventional high-velocity injection molding processes. Embodiments of the disclosed method surprisingly allow for the filling of a mold cavity at low melt pressure without undesirable premature hardening of the thermoplastic material in the mold cavity and without the need for maintaining a constant temperature or heated mold cavity. Heretofore, it would not have been expected that a constant pressure method could be performed at low pressure without such premature hardening of the thermoplastic material when using an unheated mold cavity or cooled mold cavity.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a polylactic acid composition having specific thermal characteristics and gas barrier properties, and to obtain a molding comprising a polylactic acid composition of PLLA and PDLA capable of forming a polylactic acid stretched film or other molding having superior surface smoothness, transparency, heat resistance and toughness, and the constitution thereof is characterized by being a molding comprising a polylactic acid composition in which the peak in DSC measurement during cooling (at a rate of 10° C./min) after allowing to remain at 250° C. for 10 minutes is 30 mJ/mg or more, and preferably comprising a polylactic acid composition such that, in measurement during the DSC 2nd heating (cooling at a rate of 10° C./min after allowing to remain at 250° C. for 10 minutes followed by reheating from 0° C. at a rate of 10° C./min), the peak ratio (peak 1/peak 2) of the peak when Tm is 150 to 180° C. (peak 1) to the peak when Tm is 200 to 240° C. (peak 2) is 0.

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: The present invention relates to a composition for preparing a curable resin, comprising a) a compound represented by Formula 1; b) glycidyl (meth)acrylate; c) acid monoanhydride; and d) a solvent, a curable resin manufactured by the composition, and an ink composition comprising the same. The curable resin has a low viscosity and excellent flow properties, and the ink composition is excellent in terms of storage stability, heat resistance and chemical resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioactive composition obtained through the technique of electrospinning and composed of at least one polymer. Furthermore, the invention also discloses a process for the incorporation of such electrospun bioactive composition, as a coating over a plastic matrix to obtain composite materials for their use in both biodegradable and non-biodegradable biomedical implants and in tissue engineering.

Abstract: An anchoring adhesive includes effective amounts of an isocyanurate compound and a vinyl ester compound that react and cure to form a composition having high compressive strength, high tensile strength and low shrinkage. The anchoring adhesive can be used to firmly bond anchor pins to boreholes in concrete, steel, wood, and other substrates.

Abstract: Present invention is to provide a sustained-release composition which contains a physiologically active substance in high content even when gelatin is not included, and suppresses its initial excessive release and, thus, can achieve a stable release rate over about one month. A sustained-release composition containing a lactic acid-glycolic acid polymer having a ratio or weight average molecular weight and number average molecular weight of about 1.90 or lower, or a salt thereof, and a physiologically active substance.

Abstract: The invention provides novel flame-retardant polymers and materials, their synthesis and use. More particularly, the flame-retardant polymers are deoxybenzoin-derived polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for isolating polyhydroxyalkanoates from production cells which comprises i) disintegrating the production cells, subsequently ii) separating off the cell fragments from the polyhydroxyalkanoate grains by means of a continuous jet separator; iii) the concentrated polyhydroxyalkanoate grains are washed with an aqueous alkali solution and then iv) with an aqueous acid.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide polylactic acid containing a stereocomplex crystal and having excellent moldability, a high molecular weight, high crystallinity and a high melting point and a process for manufacturing the same. It is another object of the present invention to provide a composition comprising the polylactic acid and a molded product of the polylactic acid. The present invention is characterized from polylactic acid having a weight average molecular weight of 80,000 to 500,000 and a melting peak at 195° C. or higher which accounts for 80% or more of the total of melting peaks in the temperature elevation step when measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and a process for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: Biodegradable aliphatic polyester particles have: (A) an average particle diameter of 10 to 500 ?m, and (B) a quantity of heat of low-temperature crystallization calculated as an exotherm attending on crystallization, detected in the course of heating by DSC, of at least 1 J/g, and preferably: (C) a quantity of heat of crystal melting calculated as an endotherm attending on melting of a crystal, detected in the course of the heating, of less than 100 J/g, and (D) a difference between the quantity of heat of crystal melting and the quantity of heat of low-temperature crystallization of less than 90 J/g. A process for producing the particles, comprises grinding a particular biodegradable aliphatic polyester having a weight average molecular weight of at least 50,000 at not lower than 0° C. and lower than the glass transition temperature of the polyester while applying high shearing force.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a process for forming polymeric nanoparticles, which comprises using a static mixer to create a mixed flowing stream of an anti-solvent, e.g., by introducing a liquid anti-solvent into a static mixer, and introducing a polymer solution into the mixed flowing anti-solvent stream such that controlled precipitation of polymeric nanoparticles occurs. The nanoparticles can then be separated from the anti-solvent steam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound with the following formula (I) where: R1 is particularly a straight or branched alkyl group, a is a single or double bond; R2 is particularly a hydrogen atom; R3 and R5 are a hydrogen atom when a is a single bond, and absent when a is a double bond; R4 is a hydrogen atom or an ORb group, where Rb is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group including 1 to 12 atoms of carbon, and A1 is a divalent alkylene radical.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a medical product with a biodegradable portion. The biodegradable portion is made of a biodegradable material and the biodegradable portion degrades faster than the remaining portion of the medical product.

Abstract: PHA adhesive compositions, and related methods and articles are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are: a curable epoxy resin composition including an alicyclic epoxy compound (A), a monoallyl diglycidyl isocyanurate compound (B) represented by following Formula (1) where each of R1s and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and a curing agent (C) or curing catalyst (D); and a cured article obtained through curing of the curable epoxy resin composition. The alicyclic epoxy compound (A) preferably has cyclohexene oxide group as the alicyclic epoxy group.

Abstract: Copolymers exhibiting the following combinations of properties, including without limitation, ?-caprolactone in an amount ranging from about 12 to about 70 mole percent, glycolide in an amount ranging from about 30 to about 88 mole percent, crystallinity ranging from about 10 to about 50% as measured by WAXD or about 10 to about 50 J/g as measured by DSC, and an inherent viscosity ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.45 dL/g as measured in a 0.1 g/dl solution of HFIP at 25° C.; a method for melt blowing such copolymers and nonwoven constructs produced therefrom are described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polycarbonate polymer comprising: an isosorbide unit, and an aliphatic unit different from the isosorbide unit, wherein the isosorbide unit and aliphatic unit are each carbonate, or a combination of carbonate and ester units and the aliphatic unit is derived from an aliphatic oligomer having a molecular weight of 900 to 4000.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing medium chain length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) (MCL-PHA) with a selected ratio of monomers. A method of controlling the ratio of monomers in MCL-PHA is also provided which includes fermenting naturally occurring microorganisms with a fatty acid substrate, a food source and an additive. The methods provided do not sacrifice cell growth and maintenance and provide high yields of MCL-PHAs. MCL-PHAs are provided that are copolymers of Cn and Cn?2 monomers, where (n is 6-18).

Abstract: A film comprising a polylactic acid and polypropylene blend having a haze of from about 10% to about 95% and a gloss 45° of from about 50 to about 125. A method of producing an oriented film comprising blending polypropylene and polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend, forming the polymeric blend into a film, and orienting the film. A method of producing an injection molded article comprising blending polypropylene and polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend, injecting the polymeric blend into a mold, and forming the article.

Abstract: A resin for toner containing a polyhydroxy carbonate skeleton and a rigid skeleton.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions and laundry detergents comprising polyalkylene glycol-based polymers are disclosed. The polyalkylene glycol-based polymers are polyoxyalkylene-oxide capped polyalkylene-oxide-polycarboxylate comb polymers. The polyalkylene glycol-based polymer includes: a glycol-based structure unit derived from a polyalkylene glycol-based monomer, and a carboxyl-based structure unit derived from a carboxyl group-containing monomer. The glycol-based structure unit may be present at a level of 1% to 99% by mass based on 100% by mass of all structure units derived from all monomers in the polyalkylene glycol-based polymer. The carboxyl structure unit may be present at a level of 1% to 99% by mass based on 100% by mass of all the structure units derived from all the monomers in the polyalkylene glycol-based polymer. The cleaning compositions have high anti-soil redeposition ability in washing treatment and high solubility and compatibility with surfactants.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions and laundry detergents comprising amphoteric polymers are disclosed. The amphoteric polymers may be comb polymers having polycarboxylate backbones and polyalkoxylate tentacles. In particular, the amphoteric polymer includes: a cationic group structure unit derived from a cationic group-containing monomer; and a carboxyl structure unit derived from a carboxyl group-containing monomer. The cationic group structure unit may be present at a level of 1% to 99% by mass based on 100% by mass of all structure units derived from all monomers in the amphoteric polymer. The carboxyl structure unit may be present at a level of 1% to 99% by mass based on 100% by mass of all the structure units derived from all the monomers in the amphoteric polymer. The cleaning compositions have high anti-soil redeposition ability and solubility with surfactants.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable macromer compositions are provided including a polymeric component possessing a lipid segment which enhances the affinity of the macromer composition to targeted tissue. In some embodiments, the polymeric component can be combined with a second component. The resulting bioabsorbable macromer composition can be employed as an adhesive or sealant for medical/surgical uses.

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

Abstract: Provided is a polymerizable compound represented by the following general formula (ca-1) or (cb-1): wherein the variables in the formulae are defined in the specification.

Abstract: Fluorinated copolymers are prepared via copolycondensation polymerization in a process comprising reacting A) a telechelic fluoroazido compound of formula N3(Y)p—(CH2)n—R—(CH2)m—(Y)pN3, wherein Y is SO, SO2, C6H4, or CO, p=0 or 1, n and m are independently 1 to 4, and R is selected from the group consisting of i) a C3-C10 fluoroalkylene group, ii) a C3-C10 fluoroalkoxylene group, iii) a substituted aryl group, iv) an oligomer comprising copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride and perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether), v) an oligomer comprising copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene, vi) an oligomer comprising copolymerized units of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether), and vii) an oligomer comprising copolymerized units of tetrafluoroethylene and a hydrocarbon olefin with B) a telechelic diyne or dinitrile compound in the presence of copper halide catalyst.