Multiphase block and graft copolymers comprising a hydrophilic continuous phase and hydrophobic domains
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to thermoplastic, multiphase copolymers selected from the group consisting of copolymers represented by graft copolymers having the general formula <IMAGE> AND BLOCK COPOLYMERS HAVING THE GENERAL FORMULA XB-[AB]n-yA wherein n is an integer >/=1, m is >1, x and y are 0 or 1, and y is 1 when n is 1, A is a thermoplastic, hydrophobic polymer block having a softening point (i.e., a glass transition or crystalline melting point) of at least 35 DEG C and a molecular weight of at least 2,000, and B is a thermoplastic, hydrophilic polymer block having a softening point of at least about 35 DEG C and a molecular weight of at least about 6,000, which comprises from about 30-97 wt % of said copolymer. The novel polymers of this invention are useful for making water containing gels. Preferably, the thermoplastic multiphase copolymer is a styrene-ethylene oxide copolymer. The novel polymers are made by a process which allows one to prepare a copolymer which is substantially free of homopolymeric impurities. The compositions of the instant invention are melt processable by conventional thermoplastic techniques.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert D. Lundberg
- 👤 Neville G. Thame
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7References Cited (Backward Citations)
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