Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
A process for producing a water-insoluble polymer of uniform shape which comprises the steps of dissolving or partially suspending in water (a) a water-soluble salt of alginic acid, (b) a hydrophilic, crosslinkable vinyl monomer having two or more radical-polymerizable vinyl groups per molecule, and (c) optionally a hydrophilic, radical-polymerizable vinyl monomer; bringing the resulting aqueous solution or suspension into contact with an aqueous solution capable of causing gelation of the water-soluble salt of alginic acid and thereby forming a water-insoluble gel of uniform shape; and subjecting the gel to radical polymerization to produce a water-insoluble polymer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
A process for producing a water-insoluble polymer of uniform shape which comprises the steps of dissolving or partially suspending in water (a) a water-soluble salt of alginic acid, (b) a hydrophilic, crosslinkable vinyl monomer having two or more radical-polymerizable vinyl groups per molecule, and (c) optionally a hydrophilic, radical-polymerizable vinyl monomer; bringing the resulting aqueous solution or suspension into contact with an aqueous solution capable of causing gelation of the water-soluble salt of alginic acid and thereby forming a water-insoluble gel of uniform shape; and subjecting the gel to radical polymerization to produce a water-insoluble polymer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ratio of the hydrophilic, crosslinkable vinyl monomer having two or more vinyl monomers per molecule to the hydrophilic, radical-polymerizable vinyl monomer is in the range of 0.05:0 to 0.05:100.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the combined amount of the hydrophilic, crosslinkable vinyl monomer having two or more radical-polymerizable vinyl groups per molecule and the hydrophilic, radical-polymerizable vinyl monomer is in the range of 0.1 to 50% by weight based on the total amount of the aqueous solution or suspension.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the concentration of the water-soluble salt of alginic acid in the aqueous solution or suspension is in the range of 0.1 to 20% by weight.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
A process as claimed in claim 4 wherein the concentration of the water-insoluble salt of alginic acid in the aqueous solution or suspension is in the range of 0.5 to 10% by weight.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 which further includes the step of adding a free radical initiator to the aqueous solution or suspension.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 which further includes the step of removing the salt of alginic acid subsequently to the radical polymerization of the gel to produce a water-insoluble polymer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process as claimed in claim 1 which further includes the step of adding yeast or other microorganisms to the aqueous solution or suspension.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
A water-insoluble polymer produced by the process of claim 1, 7, or 8.