Abstract: Process for the oligomerization of hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) in which the sum of the dimers, trimers, tetramers, pentamers and hexamers represents less than 20% of the weight of the polymerized HFPO, the oligomers other than the dimers, trimers, tetramers, pentamers and hexamers (the remaining oligomers) having an average molecular weight ranging between 1100 and 4000 g/mol, characterized in that the process comprises the steps of contacting hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) at a temperature between ?30° C. to +50° C.

Abstract: A method for removing a process solvent (P-sol) from a polymer extrudate, especially in connection with a process for producing a microporous membrane. The method involves contacting the extrudate with chlorinated hydrocarbon (CHC) and hydrofluoroether (HFE) in a first stage; contacting the extrudate from the first stage with HFE in a second stage; combining the first and second waste streams and then separating the P-sol from the combined streams to make an HFE-CHC stream; cooling the HFE-CHC stream to make an HFE-rich phase and a CHC-rich phase; and conducting the CHC-rich phase and/or the HFE-rich phase to step (A).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a block copolymer-containing composition includes PS-b-PXVP and a lithium salt, where “X” is 2 or 4. All lithium salt is present in the composition at no greater than 1 ppm by weight. In one embodiment, a homogenous block copolymer-including comprising has PS-b-PXVP present in the composition at no less than 99.99998% by weight, where “X” is 2 or 4. Methods of forming such compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a conductive coating film having superior chemical resistance or solvent resistance and durability by chemically bonding a resin having an amine group (—NH2) with carbon nanotubes having a carboxyl group (—COOH). The conductive material having high bondability with carbon nanotubes and superior electrical properties includes carbon nanotubes uniformly contained therein, and thus has appropriate surface resistivity, and thereby can be used for antistatic, electrostatic dissipation and electromagnetic shielding purposes and in transparent or opaque electrodes depending on the resistivity value.

Abstract: The invention provides a sterically hindered polymers and conjugates formed therefrom that comprise a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbone having at least one terminus covalently bonded to an alkanoic acid or alkanoic acid derivative prior to conjugation, wherein the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl group of the acid or acid derivative group has an alkyl or aryl group pendent thereto. The steric effects of the alkyl or aryl group allow greater control of the hydrolytic stability of polymer derivatives. The polymer backbone may be poly(ethylene glycol).

Abstract: Segmented water soluble polymers, containing a higher molecular weight segment linked to a lower molecular weight segment, are described. In one embodiment, the polymer segments are poly(ethylene glycol) segments. The segmented polymers are functionalized and are useful for conjugation to various moieties such as pharmacologically active substances. Also described are conjugates of such polymers and methods of their preparation.

Abstract: The present invention provides energetically and economically efficient methods for separating polyamide polymer(s) from commingled materials. The methods generally involve precipitating a polyamide polymer dissolved in a solvent (e.g., formic acid) using dimethyl ether (DME) as an antisolvent. The methods comprise dissolving the polyamide polymer in a solvent that (i) selectively dissolves the polyamide polymer relative to the other materials and (ii) has a higher solubility for DME relative to the polyamide polymer; and then contacting the mixture of the solvent with the dissolved polyamide polymer with DME, thereby precipitating the polyamide polymer.

Abstract: A method for producing a polyether-polyol having a narrow molecular weight distribution, which comprises carrying out selective fractional extraction of the low-molecular weight component from a polyether-polyol (A) having an average molecular weight of from 500 to 4500 represented by formula (1): HO—[(CH2)4O]n—[(CR1R2)pO]q—H??(1) wherein R1 and R2, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms; n indicates a positive integer; p indicates an integer of from 1 to 8; and q indicates 0 or a positive integer, by the use of an aqueous solution (C) containing from 15 to 70 wt % sulfuric acid at a room temperature to 100° C., to thereby suitably determine the amount of the aqueous sulfuric acid solution to the overall organic layer and the sulfuric acid concentration in accordance with the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the intended polyether-polyol to be fractionally extracted.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for restoring adhesive strength of an adhesive that has lost at least some of its adhesive strength includes applying a restoration agent to the adhesive. In one embodiment, a selectively-releasable adhesive includes a copolymer formed from a multifunctional alcohol and a multifunctional carboxylic acid, wherein the copolymer has been cured the equivalent of less than approximately 9 hours at approximately 120° C. and 100 milliTorr.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydrolytically degradable gels of crosslinked poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) structures. Addition of water causes these crosslinked structures to swell and become hydrogels. The hydrogels can be prepared by reacting two different PEG derivatives containing functional moieties at the chain ends that react with each other to form new covalent linkages between polymer chains. The PEG derivatives are chosen to provide covalent linkages within the crosslinked structure that are hydrolytically degradable. Hydrolytic degradation can provide for dissolution of the gel components and for controlled release of trapped molecules, including drugs. Reagents other than PEG can be avoided. The hydrolysis rates can be controlled by varying atoms adjacent to the hydrolytically degradable functional groups to provide substantially precise control for drug delivery in vivo.

Abstract: The invention provides a sterically hindered polymer that comprises a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbone having at least one terminus covalently bonded to an alkanoic acid or alkanoic acid derivative, wherein the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl group of the acid or acid derivative group has an alkyl or aryl group pendent thereto. The steric effects of the alkyl or aryl group allow greater control of the hydrolytic stability of polymer derivatives. The polymer backbone may be poly(ethylene glycol).

Abstract: Solid and liquid compositions containing particles of highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonate functional groups with an ion exchange ratio of less than about 33. The compositions contain at least about 25% by weight of polymer particles having a particle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing a process solvent (P-sol) from a polymer extrudate, especially in connection with a process for producing a microporous membrane. The method involves contacting the extrudate with chlorinated hydrocarbon (CHC) and hydrofluoroether (HFE) in a first stage; contacting the extrudate from the first stage with HFE in a second stage; combining the first and second waste streams and then separating the P-sol from the combined streams to make an HFE-CHC stream; cooling the HFE-CHC stream to make an HFE-rich phase and a CHC-rich phase; and conducting the CHC-rich phase and/or the HFE-rich phase to step (A).

Abstract: Segmented water soluble polymers, containing a higher molecular weight segment linked to a lower molecular weight segment, are described. In one embodiment, the polymer segments are poly(ethylene glycol) segments. The segmented polymers are functionalized and are useful for conjugation to various moieties such as pharmacologically active substances. Also described are conjugates of such polymers and methods of their preparation.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing an organic polymer having a terminal trimethoxy silyl group. In the method, the exchange reaction into a methoxy group can proceed within a short time even with a small amount of a catalyst, and viscosity increase caused by a side reaction during the methoxy exchange reaction can be reduced. Obtained polymer has an excellent stability, and viscosity increase during the storage of the polymer after the exchange into a trimethoxysilyl group can be reduced.

Abstract: Solid and liquid compositions containing particles of highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonate functional groups with an ion exchange ratio of less than about 33. The compositions contain at least about 25% by weight of polymer particles having a particle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm.

Abstract: The invention provides a sterically hindered polymer that comprises a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbone having at least one terminus covalently bonded to an alkanoic acid or alkanoic acid derivative, wherein the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl group of the acid or acid derivative group has an alkyl or aryl group pendent thereto. The steric effects of the alkyl or aryl group allow greater control of the hydrolytic stability of polymer derivatives. The polymer backbone may be poly(ethylene glycol).

Abstract: An aliphatic polyester copolymer comprising an aliphatic carbonate unit (a) and an aliphatic polyester unit (b), and a molded body composed of said aliphatic polyester copolymer. The aliphatic polyester copolymer is excellent in heat resistance while having adequate mechanical properties and properties in the molten state.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a compound according to the formula: Rf1[CH(—O—CH(3-m)Rf2m)(—O—CF2—CFH—Rf3)]n ??[I] wherein n is 1 or 2, wherein m is 1, 2 or 3, wherein, when n is 1, Rf1 is selected from the group consisting of highly fluorinated alkyl groups which are linear, branched, cyclic, or a combination thereof, which may optionally be substituted, and which may optionally contain one or more catenated heteroatoms; wherein, when n is 2, Rf1 is selected from the group consisting of highly fluorinated alkylene groups which are linear, branched, cyclic, or a combination thereof, which may optionally be substituted, and which may optionally contain one or more catenated heteroatoms; wherein each Rf2 is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups which are linear, branched, cyclic, or a combination thereof, which may optionally be substituted, and which may optionally contain one or more catenated heteroatoms; wherein at least one Rf2 is highly fluorinated; wherein each Rf3 is indep

Abstract: A process for producing a stable polymer such as poly(hydroxystyrene) which comprises the decarboxylation of a corresponding phenolic in the presence of a non-amine basic catalyst and a polar organic solvent, followed by the polymerization thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oxytetramethylene glycol copolymer, which is obtained by copolymerizing tetrahydrofuran and neopentyl glycol and which has a specific number average molecular weight Mn, a specific molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn, a specific neopentyl glycol copolymerization whole ratio Nw and a specific neopentyl glycol copolymerization partial ratio Nh, and a method for producing the same. Also disclosed is a method for purifying an oxytetramethylene glycol copolymer, which comprises adding a fresh tetrahydrofuran to a reaction mixture comprising an oxytetramethylene glycol copolymer and an unreacted diol, wherein the amount of added tetrahydrofuran is not less than the weight of the unreacted diol contained in the reaction mixture, and distilling off the unreacted diol together with the added tetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: The invention provides a sterically hindered polymer that comprises a water-soluble and non-peptidic polymer backbone having at least one terminus covalently bonded to an alkanoic acid or alkanoic acid derivative, wherein the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl group of the acid or acid derivative group has an alkyl or aryl group pendent thereto. The steric effects of the alkyl or aryl group allow greater control of the hydrolytic stability of polymer derivatives. The polymer backbone may be poly(ethylene glycol).

Abstract: A surface crosslinking treatment method of a water-absorbing resin powder is disclosed that can overcome various problems in production encountered in the production of surface crosslinked water-absorbing resin powders on an industrial scale and can produce a water-absorbing resin powder having excellent physical properties without causing deterioration in physical properties of resin.

Abstract: A process for producing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin, including feeding EVOH into an extruder, keeping the temperature of the melting resin in the extruder at 70 to 170° C., adjusting the amount of water in the extruder so that the water content right after being discharged from the extruder is 5 to 40 weight %, and extruding out the EVOH resin. The extruded EVOH resin is cut into EVOH pellets. Thereby, it is possible to obtain resin pellets in which no spherocrystals are observed in the center of the cross section of the resin when the cross section is observed by the use of a polarization microscope, or no lubricant is contained in the resin pellets, and the angle of repose is 23° or less when the resin pellets are laminated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation-curable prepolymer. The radiation-curable prepolymer of the invention is prepared by reacting an isocyanate-capped polyurethane with an ethylenically unsaturated amine or an ethylenically unsaturated monohydroxy compound or a mixture thereof, wherein the isocyanate-capped polyurethane is a copolymerization production of: (a) at least one polyalkylene glycol; (b) at least one branching agent having at least three hydroxy groups; and (c) at least one di- or polyisocyanate. The radiation-curable prepolymer of the invention can find use in economically producing contact lenses which have durable, highly elastic soft contact lenses with desired physical properties. In addition, the present invention provides method for making a radiation-curable prepolymer of the invention and for making a medical device, preferably an ophthalmic device, more preferably a contact lens.

Abstract: A method for the extraction, separation, fractionation and purification of biopolymers from plant materials using supercritical and/or subcritical solvent extractions is disclosed. Specifically, the process can be used for the separation of resins and rubber from guayule shrub (Parthenium argentatum), and other rubber and/or resin containing plant materials, using supercritical solvent extraction, for example supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. Additionally, polar and/or non-polar co-solvents can be used with supercritical carbon dioxide to enhance the selective extraction of resins and rubbers from the shrub.

Abstract: An oxytetramethylene glycol copolymer obtained by copolymerizing tetrahydrofuran and neopentyl glycol which has a specific number average molecular weight Mn, a specific molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn, a specific neopentyl glycol copolymerization whole ratio Nw and a specific neopentyl glycol copolymerization partial ratio Nh; a method for producing the same; and a method for purifying an oxytetramethylene glycol copolymer using fresh tetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: Method of purifying a polymeric material of a type which includes (A) phenyl moieties; (B) carbonyl and/or sulphone moieties; and; (C) ether and/or thioether moieties. The method includes contacting the polymeric material with a solvent formulation which is at a temperature of greater than 100° C. and a pressure above ambient pressure thereby to charge the solvent formulation with impurities derived from the polymeric material, and separating the charged solvent from the polymeric material.

Abstract: The method consists in hydrolysing an initial volume Vse of a precursor material comprising at least one polyalkoxysilane with a quantity of water such that x ? ? H 2 ? O x ? ? Si ? 10 , ? and where x H20 and x Si represent the number of moles of H20 and Si present, respectively, the concentration of the hydrolysate up to a volume substantially equal to the initial volume Vsi, leaving the concentrated hydrolysate until segregation into an aqueous phase and an organo-silicon phase, and recovery of the organo-silicon phase. A product can be obtained which comprises an organo-silicon sol comprising silicon species T1, T2, and T3, wherein the molar fraction of species T2 is equal or greater than 50%, comprising a condensation rate equal to or greater than 0.65, and further defined as lacking water, as determined by analyzing a sample of said organo-silicon sol by 1H NMR and observing the absence of peak corresponding to water.

Abstract: Polymers derived from various monomers are purified by fractionalization of the crude polymers in a solvent/non solvent system via reverse precipitation.

Abstract: Improved sealant compositions and processes for producing sealant are described. The processes include contacting in a reactor under reaction conditions a polymer containing at least one vinyl, acrylate, or methacrylate monomer and at least one silane comonomer, at least one polymer capping agent, a catalyst and a reactive diluent. Sealant compositions are also described. The compositions include a polymer containing at least one vinyl, acrylate or methacrylate monomer and at least one silane comonomer, at least one silane component, a catalyst and a reactive diluent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a free flowing and/or non clumping resin that includes prior to drying, shrinking the resin under agitation. In one variant of the invention, the is a resin used in solid phase synthesis of peptides. In another aspect the invention provides a process of making a peptide using the free flowing resin described herein, and a polypeptide made using the process. Various therapeutics are then be made using the polypepdite.

Abstract: A process for producing a lactic acid polymer of 15,000 to 50,000 in weight-average molecular weight, the content of polymeric materials having not more than about 5,000 in weight-average molecular weight therein being not more than about 5% by weight, characterized by hydrolyzing a high molecular weight lactic acid polymer, placing the resultant solution comprising the hydrolyzed product under a condition capable of precipitating the objective lactic acid polymer, separating the precipitated lactic acid polymer and collecting them. The lactic acid polymer is useful as a matrix for sustained-release preparations. The sustained-release microcapsule preparation encapsulating a physiologically active substance can fully prevent the initial excessive release of the physiologically active substance from the microcapsules and keep a stable release rate over a long period of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation-curable prepolymer. The radiation-curable prepolymer of the invention is prepared by reacting an isocyanate-capped polyurethane with an ethylenically unsaturated amine or an ethylenically unsaturated monohydroxy compound or a mixture thereof, wherein the isocyanate-capped polyurethane is a copolymerization production of: (a) at least one polyalkylene glycol; (b) at least one branching agent having at least three hydroxy groups; and (c) at least one di- or polyisocyanate. The radiation-curable prepolymer of the invention can find use in economically producing contact lenses which have durable, highly elastic soft contact lenses with desired physical properties. In addition, the present invention provides method for making a radiation-curable prepolymer of the invention and for making a medical device, preferably an ophthalmic device, more preferably a contact lens.

Abstract: Solid and liquid compositions containing particles of highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonate functional groups with an ion exchange ratio of less than about 33. The compositions contain at least about 25% by weight of polymer particles having a particle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a polymeric fluorescent substance wherein one or more monomers represented by the general formula (1) are polymerized in the presence of a zerovalent nickel complex, X1—Ar1—X2??(1) wherein, Ar1 represents a divalent group selected from the group consisting of arylene groups, divalent heterocyclic compound groups, and divalent or trivalent hetero atom-bonded arylene or divalent heterocyclic compound groups, and X1 and X2 represent leaving groups. By using the polymeric fluorescent substance, a high performance polymer LED can easily be obtained.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the amount of undesirable by-products in the production of polymers are disclosed. The resulting polyetherimides have lower polydispersivity and enhanced thermomechanical properties. In some embodiments, cyclic and low molecular weight linear oligomers are also obtained.

Abstract: Aromatic aliphatic ether solvents, such as anisole, methylanisole, and phenetole, have been found useful in formulating coating solutions of polymeric dielectric materials and as a clean up solvent in the coating process. A process for forming a dielectric film on a substrate includes depositing a coating solution of a dielectric material in a formulation solvent onto a surface of the substrate and depositing an aromatic aliphatic ether solvent onto an edge portion of the surface of the substrate. The process is used to form films of dielectric materials including arylene ether dielectric polymers, hydridosiloxane resins, organohydridosiloxane resins, spin-on-glass materials, partially hydrolyzed and partially condensed alkoxysilane compositions which are cured to form a nanoporous dielectric silica material, and poly(perhydrido)silazanes.

Abstract: Deaggregated substituted and unsubstituted polyparaphenylenes, polyparaphenylevevinyles, polyanilines, polyazines, polythiophenes, poly-p-phenylene sulfides, polyfuranes, polypyrroles, polyselenophene, polyacetylenes formed from soluble precursors and combinations thereof and copolymers thereof and methods of fabrication are described. The deaggregated polymer molecules when subsequently doped show higher electrical conductivity. Agents such as lithium chloride, m-cresol and nonylphenol are used to deaggregate the polymer molecules. The deaggregating agents can be added prior to or during doping the molecules.

Abstract: A system for improving the biocompatibility of medical devices present within a patient's body. In one embodiment, the present subject matter reduces the thrombogenicity of polyurethane materials in contact with the blood of a patient. In one embodiment, the medical device has a polymeric wall and a coating of polyurethane, said coating of polyurethane having the same chemical composition throughout the thickness and displaying an antithrombogenic effect when inserted into a patient's body in contact with blood for a period of at least twenty-four hours. The present subject matter relates to the manufacture and treatment of polymeric materials that may be inserted as medical devices, accessories, implants or replacements into animal bodies, such as the human body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin composition, said method comprising: a) introducing into an extruder an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin having a water content of at least 0.5 weight % and an additional component; b) kneading the resin and the additional component whereby to form an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin composition; and c) discharging said resin composition from the extruder; wherein said method further comprises feeding water in a liquid state to the extruder and/or removing water in a liquid state from the extruder. Thereby, strand-breakage or cutting errors are suppressed and thus, molded products such as pellets can be provided with a stable shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the preparation of polymeric phosphate flame retardants with a molecular weight of at least about 1500 and a softening temperature of at least about 10° C. comprising the steps of (a) reacting a phosphorus oxyhalide with a monohydroxyaromatic compound, (b) removing substantially all of any remaining phosphorus oxyhalide; (c) reacting the monoaryldichlorophosphate product with a dihydroxyaromatic compound and (d) reacting the product of step (c) with a monohydroxyaromatic compound. The solid polymeric flame retardant has a linear structure and less than 10 ppm halogen bound to phosphorus. Also disclosed are resinous compositions comprising the solid polymeric phosphate made by the method of the invention and at least one other polymeric resin.

Abstract: A composite type conductive polymer having a phenylene vinylene backbone with a condensed hydrocarbon ring system introduced into the backbone to form a bend in a linear structure of the phenylene vinylene backbone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing water insoluble porogens from macroreticular copolymers comprising distilling said porogen in water soluble organic solvent.

Abstract: The method consists in hydrolyzing an initial volume Vsi of a precursor material comprising at least one polyalkoxysilane with a quantity of water such that x ⁢   ⁢ H 2 ⁢ O x ⁢ Si ≥ 10 where x H2O and x Si represent the number of moles of H2O and Si present, respectively, the concentration of the hydrolysate up to a volume substantially equal to the initial volume Vsi, leaving the concentrated hydrolysate until segregation into an aqueous phase and an organo-silicon phase, and recovery of the organo-silicon phase.

Abstract: Solid and liquid compositions containing particles of highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonate functional groups with an ion exchange ratio of less than about 33. The compositions contain at least about 25% by weight of polymer particles having a particle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm.

Abstract: Liquid compositions containing particles of highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer having sulfonate functional groups with an ion exchange ratio of less than about 33. The compositions contain at least about 25% by weight of polymer particles having a particle size of about 2 nm to about 30 nm.

Abstract: A poly(ethylene oxide) polymer having low and high molecular weight fractions is fractionated by dissolving the polymer in a solvent for the low molecular weight fraction. A good separation of the low and high molecular weight fractions can be obtained. When the poly(ethylene oxide) polymer contains a metal cyanide catalyst, this process also provides a good separation of the catalyst from the low molecular weight fraction. In this instance, the catalyst remains active and the high molecular weight fraction containing the catalyst can be recycled into subsequent polymerization processes.

Abstract: Aromatic aliphatic ether solvents, such as anisole, methylanisole, and phenetole, have been found useful in formulating coating solutions of polymeric dielectric materials and as a clean up solvent in the coating process. A process for forming a dielectric film on a substrate includes depositing a coating solution of a dielectric material in a formulation solvent onto a surface of the substrate and depositing an aromatic aliphatic ether solvent onto an edge portion of the surface of the substrate. The process is used to form films of dielectric materials including arylene ether dielectric polymers, hydridosiloxane resins, organohydridosiloxane resins, spin-on-glass materials, partially hydrolyzed and partially condensed alkoxysilane compositions which are cured to form a nanoporous dielectric silica material, and poly(perhydrido)silazanes.

Abstract: Process for preparation powder coating formulations by pressure release of a composition comprising a low molecular mass inert compound, with release of the low molecular mass inert compound, in which process one or more base resins and one or more hardeners for the base resins, or one or more self-curing base resins, and, if desired, further customary coatings components, are converted together or separately into a flowable form by heating, the low molecular mass inert compound is dissolved under pressure at least in one of the base resin or hardener components employed, either before these components are combined with the other components or in the already prepared mixture, the overall mixture is homogenized, and then the mixture of all components is released from pressure, with cooling.