Abstract: Disclose is a cellulose ester film having a dry thickness of 20 to 60 &mgr;m, wherein the cellulose ester film is manufactured according to a solution cast film manufacture process comprising the step of providing a cellulose ester dope, casting the cellulose ester dope on a support to form a cellulose ester web, peeling the cellulose ester web at a peel position from the support, transporting the peeled web to a dryer, drying the peeled web therein to form a cellulose ester film, and winding the cellulose ester film around a spool, the residual solvent at the winding step of the cellulose ester film being not more than 0.05% by weight.

Abstract: Condensation polymers, such as polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE) resins, can be combined with polysiloxanes in a single molecule to provide several potential benefits, depending upon the specific combination employed, including: (a) wet strength resins that soften; (b) softeners that do not reduce dry or wet tensile strength; (c) wet strength with improved wet/dry tensile ratio; (d) softeners/debonders with reduced linting and sloughing; (e) wet strength aids with controlled absorbency rate; and (f) Yankee dryer additives that provide surface protection and adhesion with controlled release properties.

Abstract: This invention describes improvements in or relating to the production of polysaccharide derivatives; more particularly it relates to a method of converting insoluble polysaccharides to a form in which they form part of an anhydrous system in which they may be used as chemical intermediates in the production of derivatives.

Abstract: Protease enzyme from Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus sp. Catalyzes the acylation of organic solvent-insoluble macromolecules in isooctane solution containing vinyl esters of fatty acids, lactones or lactides as acyl donors. The reaction occurs only when the enzyme is solubilized via ion-pairing with the anionic surfactant dioctylsulfosuccinate, sodium salt (AOT). Enzyme based acylation was demonstrated in macromolecules such as silk proteins. These macromolecules are reactive either as cryogenically milled powder suspended in the organic solvent or as a thin film deposited onto ZnSe slides. This selective acylation approach represents the first attempt at using enzymes to modify organic-insoluble macromolecules in nonaqueous media.

Abstract: Protease enzyme from Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus sp. Catalyzes the acylation of organic solvent-insoluble macromolecules in isooctane solution containing vinyl esters of fatty acids, lactones or lactides as acyl donors. The reaction occurs only when the enzyme is solubilized via ion-pairing with the anionic surfactant dioctylsulfosuccinate, sodium salt (AOT). Enzyme based acylation was demonstrated in macromolecules such as silk proteins. These macromolecules are reactive either as cryogenically milled powder suspended in the organic solvent or as a thin film deposited onto ZnSe slides. This selective acylation approach represents the first attempt at using enzymes to modify organic-insoluble macromolecules in nonaqueous media.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method of extracting arabinoxylan from corn fiber wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) heating an aqueous mixture of corn fiber and a liquid; (b) contacting the mixture of step (a) with a protease enzyme, thereby providing a proteolyzed corn fiber and a liquid; (c) separating the liquid from the proteolyzed corn fiber; (d) contacting the proteolyzed corn fiber at least once with an alkaline extractant, thereby providing an insoluble cellulose material and a liquid comprising arabinoxylan; (e) separating the insoluble cellulose material from the liquid comprising arabinoxylan; and (f) reducing the volume of the liquid comprising arabinoxylan by removing excess alkaline extractant, thereby providing a concentrated liquid comprising from about 10% to about 50% solids, wherein the solids comprise arabinoxylan. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods of preparing novel arabinoxylan esters and ethers.

Abstract: The present invention is an enzyme-decomposable polymer compound having recyclable decomposition products. The polymeric compound is a glycopolymer of a saccharide having only glucopyranose rings and a second component. In addition, the glycopolymer may contain molecular chains having at least one type of repeating unit, which chains are crosslinked by a saccharide having only glucopyranose rings.

Abstract: Described is a building material composition prepared from or having added thereto a particulate material selected from particulate polysaccharides or particulate polysaccharide derivatives. The particulate material of the building material composition is prepared by a method comprising: (a) forming a feed composition comprising a member selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides and polysaccharide derivatives, and 35 wt. % to 99 wt. % of water, based on the total weight of the feed composition, wherein said member is at least one of swelled and dissolved in the feed composition; (b) contacting, in a mill, the feed composition with a gas stream, thereby converting simultaneously the water of said feed composition into water vapor, and said member of said feed composition into a solid state form of finely particulate material; (c) separating the particulate material from the gas stream; and (d) optionally drying the particulate material.

Abstract: A method of making cellulose polymer solution comprises dissolving a cellulose polymer raw material in a chlorine-free organic solvent system under a high temperature and a high pressure condition belonging to the nearcritical or the supercritical region of the system. By removing the solvent from the thus obtained cellulose polymer solution, cellulose polymer powders are also produced.

Abstract: A process for producing a granulated water-soluble polysaccharide, wherein the water-soluble polysaccharide in powder is sprayed with a binder solution, the process comprising using a mixed solution of a water-soluble polysaccharide and an emulsifier as a binder. The process produces a water-soluble polysaccharide excellent in handling behavior such as dissolution in water, suppression of foaming during dissolution and suppression of dusting during a handling operation.

Abstract: In the fluorinated cellulosic material obtained by a method for fluorinating a cellulosic material by reacting a cellulosic material selected from the group consisting of cellulose material and lignocellulose material with at least one fluorine-containing compound selected from the group consisting of fluorine-containing olefin compound, fluorine-containing acrylate compound and fluorine-containing methacrylate compound in an organic solvent in the presence of a catalyst, not only the surface but also the inside of the cellulose and/or lignocellulose materials are modified and high performance of the cellulose and/or lignocellulose materials is realized.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition comprising hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose trimellitate typically having a mean particle size of up to 10 &mgr;m and a plasticizer is applied to a solid pharmaceutical preparation to form a coating film having acid resistance and solubility at about pH 4. The coated preparation has an improved bioavailability.

Abstract: Cationized hydroxyalkylcelluloses, which are highly compatible with surfactants, are represented by the following formula (I): wherein R1, R2 and R3 represent a hydrogen atom or a group represented by the formula CH2CH2OCH2CH (OH) CH2N+(CH3)Cl−, etc.; and “n” is a number of from 50 to 2,000; which have a mobility distribution (&Dgr;U) determined by electrophoresis ranging from 0.1×105 to 2.0×105 cm2/sec·V.

Abstract: A method for producing an organic cellulose derivative fibrillated fiber includes the steps of mixing a cellulose ester containing stream and a coagulant stream in a first zone of relatively moderate turbulence to produce a slurry containing cellulose ester fibers, passing the slurry containing cellulose ester fibers to a second zone having relatively low turbulence for a sufficient time to increase the hardness of the cellulose ester fiber; and passing the cellulose derivative fibers through a third zone having relatively high shear to produce a fibrillated fiber having a diameter of about 0.5 to about 50 microns and a degree of fibrillation greater than about 6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing cellulose esters having a total DS/AGU of 0.1 to 3.0, said process comprising contacting the following:(i) a cellulose material,(ii) a solubilizing amount of a solvent system comprising a carboxamide diluent or a urea-based diluent,(iii) an acylating reagent, and(iv) an insoluble sulfonic acid resin catalyst.

Abstract: Sucrose ester and ether products, useful as food or beverage bulking agents, reduced calorie sweeteners, fat replacement agents, stabilizing agents, thickening agents and emulsifying agents; adhesives; biodegradable plastics and films; sizing agents for paper and textiles; ethical pharmaceuticals and new fibers are prepared by using a two-phase reaction system in which sucrose is dissolved in an alkaline, aqueous solution and an acidic reagent such as a bifunctional acid dichloride or epoxide is added to the sucrose in a water-immiscible organic solvent. Several types of products are produced: water-insoluble sucrose ester (ether) copolymers; water-soluble sucrose ester (ether) copolymers; sucrose ester (ether) dimers; and intramolecular, cyclic sucrose esters (ethers). These products can be further varied by using different kinds of acid dichlorides or epoxides that contain different kinds of functional groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for making and using bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides and polyethers, and to the resulting compositions. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then either dried or are used as fluids. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, anti-adhesion compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation of post-surgical adhesions. The compositions are designed to breakdown in-vivo, and thus be removed from the body. Membranes are inserted during surgery either dry or optionally after conditioning in aqueous solutions. The anti-adhesion, bioadhesive, bioresorptive, antithrombogenic and physical properties of such membranes can be varied as needed by carefully adjusting the pH of the polymer casting solutions, polysaccharide composition, the polyether composition, or by conditioning the membranes prior to surgical use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photochemically cross-linked derivatives of general formulae (IA) and (IB), wherein R is a polysaccharide radical in which the OH groups have been esterified as OR' groups or converted into a carbamate (urethane), R.sub.1, and R.sub.2 are each independently lower alkyl or unsubstituted or substituted aryl, X is a direct bond or phenylene, m is 0 or 1, and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 20, to processes from the preparation thereof and to the use thereof. The compounds of general formula (IA) and (IB) can be used as supports in the chromatographic separation of enantiomers.

Abstract: The invention relates to .beta.(1.fwdarw.6) glucosamine disaccharides having general formula (I) to a method for preparing these disaccharides, comprising the steps of: i) providing a starting material comprising lipid A moiety of lipopolysaccharide-comprising microorganisms; and ii) subjecting the starting material to an alkaline treatment such as lipid A moiety is O-deacylated at the 3-position and at the 3'-position, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising as an active ingredient these disaccharides, and to these disaccharides for use as an immunomodulating agent, anti-tumor agent, and vaccine component.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for chemically modifying polysaccharides in a densified fluid. In particular, the modification includes esterification and/or etherification of a starch in supercritical carbon dioxide. The process is advantageous in that it allows for a high degree of substitution without the use of organic solvents or repeated reactions.

Abstract: A cellulosic cationic ion-exchange composition is formed by sulfonation of activated cellulose having of high surface area characteristics, using an acid such as concentrated H.sub.2 SO.sub.4. The sulfonated material is convertible into different forms, viz., H-form, Na-form, K-form, NH.sub.4.sup.+ form, Ba-form, Ca-form, and Cu-form by appropriate reaction. The cation-exchanger has been found useful to treat industrial effluents for the removal of heavy metals, to achieve recovery of precious metals, to carry out water-softening, and the like.

Abstract: Small pore silicas serving as the inert core support in chiral stationary phases show a surprising increase in column capacity relative to conventional chiral stationary phases having large pore silicas as the inert core support. This affords increased productivity and lower overall costs for chiral resolutions using a chiral stationary phase as adsorbent and an achiral liquid as eluant.

Abstract: A composition containing cellulose formate and a solvent system. At a temperature at least equal to a value T.sub.f the composition is a solution, and at a temperature appreciably less than T.sub.f the composition is an elastic, thermoreversible gel.A process for preparing a regenerated cellulose article by the transformation of this composition. Gel spinning in order to obtain a fiber or a film. A regenerated cellulose fiber having an excellent resistance to fibrillation in particular, wherein the said fiber may be a monofilament fiber.These fibers or these films may be used in textile applications or in technical applications, for example for reinforcing other articles, particularly tires.

Abstract: Water-absorbent resins which are prepared by mixing polysaccharides with amino acids (amino acids and/or polymers of amino acids) and heating the mixture so as to cause a crosslinking reaction therein. Each of the water-absorbent resins has a water-absorbing ratio of not less than 10 g/g with respect to physiologic saline as well as having a rate of biodegradability of not less than 10%. Moreover, its water-absorbing ratio under pressure is not less than 10 ml/g with respect to physiologic saline. The water-absorbing ratio under pressure is measured by using a measuring device that is constituted of a weighing machine, a container, an air-intake pipe, a conduit, a glass filter, and a measuring section. The water-absorbent resins are superior in both water-absorbing capacity and biodegradability, and are capable of maintain their water-absorbing capacity even under pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the acetylation of lignocellulosic materials (LM) by (a) bringing the LM into intimate contact with an acetylating agent comprising acetic anhydride as the major component at a temperature from 80.degree.-140.degree. C. and (b) bringing the acetylated LM from step (a) into contact with a heated gas inert under the reaction conditions in a stripper at a temperature above 140.degree. C. and reducing the acetic acid or acetic anhydride content of the acetylated LM produced in step (a) to below 10% by weight by stripping. Products fabricated from LMs so treated are highly dimensionally stable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing cellulose solutions whereby cellulose is dispersed in an aqueous amino oxide solution and is treated with xylanase or enzyme mixtures containing xylanase.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for chemical finishing of fabrics, fibers or yarns wherein insoluble cellulosic polymers are reacted with carboxylic acids or esters thereof in the presence of a lipase. The cellulosic polymer may be cotton, viscose, rayon, lyocell, flax, linen, ramie, and all blends thereof; and blends thereof with polyesters, wool, polyamides, acrylics and polyacrylics. The lipase may be a microbial lipase, including a lipase obtained from yeast, e.g. Candida lipase, a bacterial lipase, e.g. Pseudomonas lipase, or a fungal lipase, e.g. Humicola or Rhizomucor lipases. Chemically modified lipases obtained by coupling polyethylene glycol to amino acid residues of the lipase may also be used.

Abstract: A separating agent which, when used as the packing material for reverse-phase liquid chromatography, has excellent baseline stability in the mobile phase and an increased number of steps of the detected peak in the measurement is provided. The agent comprises a polysaccharide derivative supported on a silica gel having surface silanol groups treated with a silylating agent having an aralkyl group.

Abstract: A synthesis is described for the preparation of cationic polymer materials with a semisynthetic matrix, having superabsorption characteristics towards water and saline solutions. More particularly, cellulose cationic derivatives are described, having superabsorption characteristics, which are obtained starting from cellulose substrates which are reacted with an excess of quaternary ammonium compound in an alkaline medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new composition for sizing paper and board, containing a cationic polysaccharide esterified by a dicarboxylic acid anhydride, characterized in that the said dicarboxylic acid anhydride is substituted with a carbon chain, saturated or unsaturated, of branched structure.The anhydride may for example consist of tetrapropenylsuccinic anhydride or of any one of its isomers.The composition for sizing according to the invention may, if necessary, contain an oxidizing agent such as a persulphate. It may advantageously be applied to the surface treatment of printing and/or writing papers, in particular of papers for envelopes and of papers for impact-free printing such as inkjet printing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic and biodegradable polysaccharide esters/polysaccharide ether esters, which are characterised in that they can be represented by the general structure ##STR1## wherein Polysaccharide-O represents the substituted OH groups of a polymeric saccharide unit and wherein A is a linear polyether chain of the following structureA=(E--O)nwherein E signifies a linear aliphatic or aromatic branched or unbranched chain having 2 to 11 C atoms, n is an integer equal to or greater than 0 and both B and D are a maleic acid addition product of the following structure ##STR2## wherein F is an aliphatic, saturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated carbon skeleton, which may optionally be provided with further substituents and wherein C can be a hydrogen atom, one or more substituents from the group dihydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, hydroxybutyl, methyl, ethyl, benzyl, dihydroxypropyl, carboxyalkyl, sulphoalkyl or cyanoethyl.

Abstract: A coating base for solid enteric pharmaceutical preparations having a dissolution pH ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 essentially consisting of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose trimellitate obtained by substituting water-soluble hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose having 1.1 to 1.6 methoxy group per glucose ring thereof with 0.2 to 1.0 trimellitate group per glucose ring, or obtained by substituting water-soluble hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose having 1.7 to 2.1 methoxy groups per glucose ring thereof with 0.2 to 0.5 trimellitate group per glucose ring. The coating base can be dissolved at the upper portion of the small intestine without delay and a solid enteric pharmaceutical preparation provided with a coating film of the base can completely release the drug included therein before the preparation passes through the small intestine. Therefore, the base can ensure a high pharmacological action of the drug.

Abstract: An improved process for surface treating water soluble cellulosic polymers with crosslinking agents to provide products which are more readily dispersible in cold water, and have longer viscosity delay times than can be achieved with polymers treated in low intensity mixers, such as ribbon blenders, comprising distributing the crosslinking agent using a continuous, high intensity mixer, followed by heating to facilitate surface crosslinking. This process also allows for a reduced level of crosslinking chemicals to be used.

Abstract: A process for producing a saccharide carboxylic acid or a salt thereof characterized in that a microorganism belonging to the genus Pseudogluconobacter and capable of oxidizing a hydroxymethyl group and/or hemiacetal hydroxyl-associated carbon atom to a carboxyl group, or an artifact derived from the microorganism, is permitted to act on a hydroxymethyl and/or hemiacetal hydroxyl-containing saccharide or saccharide derivative to produce and accumulate the corresponding carboxylic acid and the carboxylic acid so accumulated is harvested and novel saccharide carboxylic acids produced by the above production method, and by the process, from a broad range of saccharides, saccharic acids having carboxyl groups derived from hydroxymethyl and/or hemiacetal OH groups can be produced with high selectivity and in good yield, the resultant saccharide acids are resistant to enzymatic degradation and have improved water solubility, among other characteristics.

Abstract: Particles, preparation methods therefor, and compositions containing same. The particles include at least one esterified polysaccharide and at least one polyamine, as well as at least one gellable polysaccharide when neither the esterified polysaccharide nor the polyamine can be gelled under the selected operating conditions. Said particle includes, at least on its surface, a membrane consisting of the product of the transacylation reaction between the esterified polysaccharide and said polyamine within an optionally gellable gel, said reaction causing the formation of covalent amide bonds. Such particles may be used to encapsulated various active principles useful in the fields of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and agri-foodstuffs, enzymes, cells and micro-organisms.

Abstract: A process for producing a saccharide carboxylic acid or a salt thereof characterized in that a microorganism belonging to the genus Pseudogluconobacter and capable of oxidizing a hydroxymethyl group and/or hemiacetal hydroxyl-associated carbon atom to a carboxyl group, or an artifact derived from the microorganism, is permitted to act on a hydroxymethyl and/or hemiacetal hydroxyl-containing saccharide or saccharide derivative to produce and accumulate the corresponding carboxylic acid and the carboxylic acid so accumulated is harvested and novel saccharide carboxylic acids produced by the above production method, and by the process, from a broad range of saccharides, saccharic acids having carboxyl groups derived from hydroxymethyl and/or hemiacetal OH groups can be produced with high selectivity and in good yield, the resultant saccharide acids are resistant to enzymatic degradation and have improved water solubility, among other characteristics.

Abstract: A benzylated lignocellulosic substance obtained through benzylation, wherein 46 to less than 97% of lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC) contained in a wood raw material from which the substance is formed remains.

Abstract: The invention is related to highly substituted, water-insoluble, poorly water-permeable fatty acid esters of polysaccharides and compositions comprising said polysaccharides esters suitable for use in hot-melt adhesives and as coatings for the controlled release of active ingredients, especially fertilizers. A convenient method for preparing said polysacharide esters using e.g. dimethylformamide as a solvent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing a cellulose ester liquid chromatographic stationary phase by reacting cellulose with an aromatic acid halide, such as p-toluoyl chloride, in the presence of a base catalyst, such as pyridine, the reaction temperature and the concentration of base catalyst being below the temperature and concentration at which the cellulose ester dissolves, the reaction time being less than the reaction time at which the cellulose ester dissolves. Similarly, a process for preparing a cellulose carbamate liquid chromatographic stationary phase by reacting cellulose with an aromatic isocyanate, such as 3,5-dimethyl phenyl isocyanate, in the presence of a base catalyst, such as pyridine, the reaction temperature and the concentration of base catalyst being below the temperature and concentration at which the cellulose carbamate dissolves, the reaction time being less than the reaction time at which the cellulose carbamate dissolves.

Abstract: Polysaccharide derivative molecules are crosslinked exclusively among themselves on a support such as silica gel with the use of a polyfunctional crosslinking agent to immobilize the polysaccharide derivative on the support. The separating agent for optical isomers produced by the method has a high solvent resistance and, therefore, is most suitable as a separating agent for optical resolution.

Abstract: Conductive polymer doped by a sulphonated cyclodextrin salt and device for obtaining and/or supplying an active substance incorporating said polymer.The dopant used has the following formula (I): ##STR1## in which n is an integer between 2 and 50, M.sup.+ is Na.sup.+, Li.sup.+, K.sup.+ Mg.sup.+ 1/2 or NH.sub.4.sup.+ and R represents --SO.sub.3.sup.- M.sup.+ or --OH, whereby R can differ from one cycle to the other. The doped conductive polymer can be used as an active electrode material in an electrochemical device.

Abstract: A benzylated lignocellulosic substance obtained through benzylation, wherein 46 to less than 97% of lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC) contained in a wood raw material from which the substance is formed remains.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel polysaccharide derivative in which part or all of the hydroxyl groups or the amino groups contained in a polysaccharide are replaced by two or more kinds of substituents, and a separating agent and a separating apparatus which comprise the polysaccharide derivative. The polysaccharide derivative of the present invention is extremely useful as a functional material for optical resolution.

Abstract: A cellulose solution having excellent fluidity and formability is prepared by dissolving a cellulose composition containing a component (I) of cellulose having a polymerization degree of 500 to 1000, and a component (II) of at least one member selected from celluloses having a polymerization degree corresponding to 90% of that of the component (I) cellulose and being in the range of from 350 to 900, cellulose derivatives and polysaccharides, the mixing ratio of the component (I) to the component (II) being 95:5 to 50:50, in a mixed solvent comprising N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide and another solvent material compatible with N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide but not capable of dissolving cellulose therein, and the resultant cellulose solution being useful for producing shaped articles, for example, fibers and films.

Abstract: A method is described for the chemical modification of pre-shaped hydrogels in non-aqueous medium. The conditions permit the reaction of highly expanded, porous hydrogel particles, such as spherical beads, using pseudo homogeneous reaction conditions in the absence of water. The method involves a three step procedure in which the porous gels are solvent exchanged int a water-free solvent (step 1) with minimal change in gel dimension and porosity; followed by reaction under non-aqueous condition (step 2); and followed by solvent exchange into water (step 3). Many different types of reactions requiring non-aqueous conditions may be carried out using these conditions. The method has particularly been demonstrated for crosslinking fluorinating beads, and for esterifying beads in a reaction involving multifunctional free carboxylic acids in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC).

Abstract: The invention is directed to the formation of cellulose derivatives using homogenous phase reaction conditions. Cellulose is dissolved using DMAc/LiCl and a reagent system is added to promote the acylation of an appropriate acid anhydride or free carboxylic acid. One reagent system includes N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and 4-pyrrolidinopyridine (PP). Another reagent system includes p-toluene sulfonyl chloride (TsCl) and pyridine (Py).

Abstract: This invention relates to sulfonates of .beta.-cyclodextrin polymer having a sulfur content of 10% or more, which inhibit propagation of smooth muscle cells.

Abstract: Compounds of formulae I and IaR--Y--CO--R.sub.3 --CO--O--A (I),R--Y--CO--R.sub.3 --CO--O--CH.sub.2 --A.sub.1 (Ia),whereinR is a radically polymerisable hydrocarbon group,R.sub.3 is a direct bond, linear or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.22 alkylene, C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 cycloalkylene or C.sub.6 -C.sub.14 arylene,A is the radical, reduced by a hydroxy group in a 2- or 3position, of a cyclic-oligomeric carbohydrate or of a derivative of such a carbohydrate,A.sub.1 is the radical, reduced by a hydroxymethyl group, of a monomeric or linear oligomeric carbohydrate or of a derivative of such a carbohydrate, andY is --O--, --NH-- or --N(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl)-.Homo- and co-polymers having those monomers have, depending upon their composition, hydrophilic, amphiphilic or hydrophobic properties and are able to form hydrogels. The polymers can be used, for example, as surfactants, thickeners, carriers for biologically active ingredients or in the manufacture of contact lenses.

Abstract: A process of treating suitable synthetic polymers comprising the steps of (a) where appropriate, activating the surface to be treated, and, if necessary, providing spacer groups thereon; and (b) treating the surface with a compound of Formula (I), ##STR1## wherein Y' is an alkylene group optionally containing an aryl group, a poly(ethylene glycol) or a glycerol group; R may be the same or different and each is a straight or branched C.sub.1-4 alkyl group, n is from 1 to 4 and X is a group which reacts with functional groups of the polymer. Polymeric surfaces and materials thus produced and shaped articles containing such surfaces and materials.

Abstract: A process for the production of cellulose carbamate from cellulose and urea through the conversion of the cellulose with excess urea in an inert liquid organic reaction carrier at a temperature in the range of 130 .degree. to 160.degree. C., separation of the reaction carrier from the reaction mixture and washing of the reaction mixture with water. The cellulose is intimately mixed with an aqueous urea solution. Then the water in the solution is replaced with the organic reaction carrier, and the reaction of urea and cellulose is carried out in the presence of an inert gaseous carrier to remove the by-product ammonia. Thereafter, the organic reaction carrier remaining in the reaction product is replaced with an aqueous urea solution and the resulting suspension of cellulose carbamate in the urea solution is filtered and washed free of urea with water. No liquid ammonia is required in this process.