Abstract: A new class of highly reactive vinyl-polymerizable monomers having surfactant properties is provided by the esters of acrylic, methacrylic and crotonic acids and the mono- and di-esters of maleic, fumaric, itaconic and aconitic acids with (a) C.sub.8 - C.sub.20 alkylphenoxy (ethyleneoxy).sub.10-60 ethyl alcohol, (b) (ethyleneoxy).sub.15-25 sorbitan esters of C.sub.12 - C.sub.20 fatty acids and (c) methyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose hydroxyethyl cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol. The new surfactive monomers are used in emulsion polymerization to provide latexes and copolymers with superior properties.

Abstract: In the method of making low molecular weight cellulose ethers and esters by contacting such ethers or esters of higher molecular weight with HCl or other hydrogen halide gas, yellowing of the depolymerized or degraded product is inhibited by treating the dry material with SO.sub.2 at about ambient temperature. Residual acid in the product can be neutralized conveniently by treatment with a weak base such as ammonia or sodium bicarbonate. The low molecular weight-low viscosity product is useful in detergent compositions and in coatings for medical pills and capsules.

Abstract: In the formation of highly absorbent and rapidly wicking filaments and web structures by extrusion and solvent drying of extrudates composed of highly swollen hydrophilic chemically modified cellulose fibers, improved results are obtained in the form of a softer and better wicking product by treatment of the extrudate prior to extrusion. The extrudate is a mass containing the swollen chemically modified cellulose fibers and a water content of up to 98% at the time of extrusion. By adding to the extrudate, prior to extrusion, an amount of from about 2 to 50% of the solvent to be used in drying in the form of pure solvent or in the form of a mixture containing solvent but which may contain water or other non-solvent and the solvent to be used in drying, a much better performing extrudate is produced which results in better filament formation, improved bonding between filaments, lower water content in the extrudate, faster drying of the extruded product, and a softer, better wicking product.

Abstract: A novel aldehyde-containing polymer (ACP) is prepared by reaction of a polysaccharide with periodate to introduce aldehyde groups onto the C.sub.2 - C.sub.3 carbon atoms and by introduction of ether and ester groups onto the pendant primary hydroxyl to modify solubility characteristics. The ACP is utilized to absorb nitrogen bases such as urea in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel degradable plastic composition, said composition being degradable in the absence of electromagnetic radiation and consisting essentially of an organic polymer having dispersed therein at least one transition-metal derivative of at least one highly unsaturated organic acid, such as a tallate, linoleate, linolenate, etc. of one or more transition metals, particularly a transition metal such as cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, and nickel.

Abstract: A process for producing organic acid esters of cellulose, in an efficient and rapid manner, which includes confricating cellulose in the presence of esterification chemicals, the confrication step providing the major driving force in conducting the esterification reaction.

Abstract: A novel substance, viz., the salt of .beta.-diethylaminoethyl p-aminobenzoate with celluloseglycolic acid has the following general formula: ##STR1## WHERE X STANDS FOR THE DEGREE OF SUBSTITUTION RANGING FROM 75 TO 100n stands for the degree of polymerization ranging from 30 to 120.A method of producing said compound comprises reacting .beta.-diethylaminoethyl p-aminobenzoate with celluloseglycolic acid in an aqueous medium, whereupon the final product is isolated.The aforementioned compound, viz., the salt of .beta.-diethylaminoethyl p-aminobenzoate with celluloseglycolic acid is the active principle of a local anesthetic drug. The proposed drug finds application in medical practive as an anesthetic in infiltration, conduction or spinal anesthesia, as well as in surface anesthesia.

Abstract: A reactive matrix comprises a co-enzyme chemically attached to a water insoluble organic polymeric support material. The reactive matrix may be used in a process for the separation of mixtures containing a plurality of enzymes.

Abstract: Disclosed are epoxy-azido compounds of the formula ##EQU1## WHERE R is a polyvalent organic radical, R' is a hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl radical, A is ##EQU2## and n and m are integers from 1 to 100. Also disclosed is the use of said epoxy-azido compounds in modifying polymers, cross-linking polymers, and adhering polymers to certain substrates, e.g. glass and other polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed are epoxy-azido compounds of the formula ##EQU1## WHERE R is a polyvalent organic radical, R' is a hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl radical, A is ##EQU2## and n and m are integers from 1 to 100. Also disclosed is the use of said epoxy-azido compounds in modifying polymers, cross-linking polymers, and adhering polymers to certain substrates, e.g. glass and other polymers.