Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim
328 words
An absorbent polymer composition comprising: (A) 70-99.99%-wt. of component A, wherein said component A is a water-soluble or water-swellable polysaccharide or a polysaccharide derivative selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl guar, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and carboxymethyl starch, which polysaccharide or polysaccharide derivative may optionally be modified by cross-linkage, and (B) 0.01-30%-wt. of component B, wherein said component B is a water-swellable, synthetic polymer or copolymer of polymeric subunits selected from the group consisting of (meth-)acrylic acid, (meth-)acrylonitrile, (meth-)acrylamide, vinyl acetate, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl pyridine, maleic acid or anhydride, itaconic acid or anhydride, fumaric acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, and the amides, the N-alkyl derivatives, the N,N'-dialkyl derivatives, the hydroxyl group-containing esters, and the amino group-containing esters of said subunits, wherein 0-98%-wt. of any acid groups may be neutralized, and wherein said polymer or copolymer is cross-linked by an at least bifunctional compound, wherein the recited weight percentages of said components A and B are based on the total weight of components A and B, and (C) 0.1-30%-wt., relative to said polymer components A and B, of an organic matrix material having a melting or softening point, respectively, of below 180° C., wherein said matrix material prevents separation and gel blocking of said absorbent polymer composition, and (D) 0.001 to 10%-wt., relative to said two polymer components A and B, of an ionic or covalent cross-linking agent, wherein said cross-linking agent cross-links said components A and B with each other, and (E) 0-50%-wt., relative to said polymer components A and B, of at least one anti-blocking agent, wherein said absorbent polymer composition is made by a process comprising the steps of: bringing said component B together with said component A in an aqueous medium, subsequently drying and grinding the resulting mixture, adding said matrix material (C) and said anti-blocking agent (E), mixing the resulting mixture to homogeneity, carrying out a first heat treatment, adding said cross-linking agent (D), and optionally carrying out a second heat treatment.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
328 words
An absorbent polymer composition comprising: (A) 70-99.99%-wt. of component A, wherein said component A is a water-soluble or water-swellable polysaccharide or a polysaccharide derivative selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl guar, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and carboxymethyl starch, which polysaccharide or polysaccharide derivative may optionally be modified by cross-linkage, and (B) 0.01-30%-wt. of component B, wherein said component B is a water-swellable, synthetic polymer or copolymer of polymeric subunits selected from the group consisting of (meth-)acrylic acid, (meth-)acrylonitrile, (meth-)acrylamide, vinyl acetate, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl pyridine, maleic acid or anhydride, itaconic acid or anhydride, fumaric acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, and the amides, the N-alkyl derivatives, the N,N'-dialkyl derivatives, the hydroxyl group-containing esters, and the amino group-containing esters of said subunits, wherein 0-98%-wt. of any acid groups may be neutralized, and wherein said polymer or copolymer is cross-linked by an at least bifunctional compound, wherein the recited weight percentages of said components A and B are based on the total weight of components A and B, and (C) 0.1-30%-wt., relative to said polymer components A and B, of an organic matrix material having a melting or softening point, respectively, of below 180° C., wherein said matrix material prevents separation and gel blocking of said absorbent polymer composition, and (D) 0.001 to 10%-wt., relative to said two polymer components A and B, of an ionic or covalent cross-linking agent, wherein said cross-linking agent cross-links said components A and B with each other, and (E) 0-50%-wt., relative to said polymer components A and B, of at least one anti-blocking agent, wherein said absorbent polymer composition is made by a process comprising the steps of: bringing said component B together with said component A in an aqueous medium, subsequently drying and grinding the resulting mixture, adding said matrix material (C) and said anti-blocking agent (E), mixing the resulting mixture to homogeneity, carrying out a first heat treatment, adding said cross-linking agent (D), and optionally carrying out a second heat treatment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
An active substance-containing composition comprising the absorbent polymer composition according to claim 1 and at least one active substance, wherein said active substance is releasable from said active substance-containing composition in a retarded manner.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
73 words
The composition according to claim 1, wherein said composition comprises 75-95%-wt. of said component A, 5-25%-wt. of said component B, 2.5-7.5%-wt., relative to said components A and B, of at least one said organic matrix material (C), 3-7%-wt., relative to said components A and B, of at least one said ionic or covalent cross-linking agent (D), and 0.5-50%-wt., relative to said components A and B, of at least one said anti-blocking agent (E).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The composition according to claim 1 wherein said polysaccharide or polysaccharide derivative is selected from the group consisting of guar, starch, cellulose, carboxymethyl guar, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxroypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and carboxymethyl starch.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The composition according to claim 1 wherein the matrix material is selected from the group consisting of triglycerol monostearate, castor oil and polycaprolactones, which are optionally modified by a reaction with maleic anhydride.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The composition according to claim 1, wherein the ionic cross-linking agent (D) is selected from the group consisting of metallic compounds in the form of their salts with organic and inorganic acids.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
62 words
The composition according to claim 1, wherein the covalent cross-linking agent (D) is a compound selected from the group consisting of polyfunctional carboxylic acids, alcohols, amines, epoxy compounds, carboxylic acid anhydrides, and aldehydes, and heterofunctional compounds comprising at least two functional groups of compounds selected from the group consisting of polyfunctional carboxylic acids, alcohols, amines, epoxy compounds, carboxylic acid anhydrides, and aldehydes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
329 words
A process for the production of an absorbent polymer composition comprising: (A) 70-99.99%-wt. of component A, wherein said component A is a water-soluble or water-swellable polysaccharide, or a polysaccharide derivative selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl guar, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and carboxymethyl starch, which polysaccharide or polysaccharide derivative may optionally be modified by cross-linkage, and (B) 0.01-30%-wt. of component B, wherein said component B is a water-swellable, synthetic polymer or copolymer of polymeric subunits selected from the group consisting of (meth-)acrylic acid, (meth-) acrylonitrile, (meth-) acrylamide, vinyl acetate, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl pyridine, maleic acid or anhydride, itaconic acid or anhydride, fumaric acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, and the amides, the N-alkyl derivatives, the N,N'-dialkyl derivatives, the hydroxyl group-containing esters, and the amino group-containing esters of said subunits, wherein 0-98%-wt. of any acid groups may be neutralized, and wherein said polymer or copolymer is cross-linked by an at least bifunctional compound, wherein the recited weight percentages of said components A and B are based on the total weight of components A and B, and (C) 0.1-30%-wt., relative to said polymer components A and B, of an organic matrix material having a melting or softening point, respectively, of below 180° C., wherein said matrix material prevents separation and gel blocking of said absorbent polymer composition, and (D) 0.001 to 10%-wt., relative to said two polymer components A and B, of an ionic or covalent cross-linking agent, wherein said cross-linking agent cross-links said components A and B with each other, and (E) 0-50%-wt., relative to said polymer components A and B, of at least one anti-blocking agent, which process comprises the steps of: bringing said component B together with said component A in an aqueous medium, subsequently drying and grinding the resulting mixture, adding said matrix material (C) and said anti-blocking agent (E), mixing the resulting mixture to homogeneity, carrying out a first heat treatment, adding said cross-linking agent (D), and optionally carrying out a second heat treatment.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
329 words
A process for the production of an absorbent polymer composition comprising: (A) 70-99.99%-wt. of component A, wherein said component A is a water-soluble or water-swellable polysaccharide, or a polysaccharide derivative selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl guar, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and carboxymethyl starch, which polysaccharide or polysaccharide derivative may optionally be modified by cross-linkage, and (B) 0.01-30%-wt. of component B, wherein said component B is a water-swellable, synthetic polymer or copolymer of polymeric subunits selected from the group consisting of (meth-)acrylic acid, (meth-) acrylonitrile, (meth-) acrylamide, vinyl acetate, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl pyridine, maleic acid or anhydride, itaconic acid or anhydride, fumaric acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, and the amides, the N-alkyl derivatives, the N,N'-dialkyl derivatives, the hydroxyl group-containing esters, and the amino group-containing esters of said subunits, wherein 0-98%-wt. of any acid groups may be neutralized, and wherein said polymer or copolymer is cross-linked by an at least bifunctional compound, wherein the recited weight percentages of said components A and B are based on the total weight of components A and B, and (C) 0.1-30%-wt., relative to said polymer components A and B, of an organic matrix material having a melting or softening point, respectively, of below 180° C., wherein said matrix material prevents separation and gel blocking of said absorbent polymer composition, and (D) 0.001 to 10%-wt., relative to said two polymer components A and B, of an ionic or covalent cross-linking agent, wherein said cross-linking agent cross-links said components A and B with each other, and (E) 0-50%-wt., relative to said polymer components A and B, of at least one anti-blocking agent, which process comprises the steps of: bringing said component B together with said component A in an aqueous medium, subsequently drying and grinding the resulting mixture, adding said matrix material (C) and said anti-blocking agent (E), mixing the resulting mixture to homogeneity, carrying out a first heat treatment, adding said cross-linking agent (D), and optionally carrying out a second heat treatment.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
73 words
The process according to claim 8, wherein said composition comprises 75-95%-wt. of said component A, 5-25%-wt. of said component B, 2.5-7.5%-wt., relative to said components A and B, of at least one said organic matrix material (C), 3-7%-wt.; relative to said components A and B, of at least one said ionic or covalent cross-linking agent (D), and 0.5-50%-wt., relative to said components A and B, of at least one said anti-blocking agent (E).
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process according to claim 8, wherein said polysaccharide or polysaccharide derivative is selected from the group consisting of guar, starch, cellulose, carboxymethyl guar, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and carboxymethyl starch.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
The process according to claim 10 wherein the matrix material is selected from the group consisting of triglycerol monostearate, castor oil and polycaprolactones, which are optionally modified by a reaction with maleic anhydride.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process according to claim 10 wherein the ionic cross-linking agent (D) is selected from the group consisting of metallic compounds, in the form of their salts with organic and inorganic acids.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
62 words
The process according to claim 8, wherein the covalent cross-linking agent (D) is a compound selected from the group consisting of polyfunctional carboxylic acids, alcohols, amines, epoxy compounds, carboxylic acid anhydrides, and aldehydes, and heterofunctional compounds comprising at least two functional groups of compounds selected from the group consisting of polyfunctional carboxylic acids, alcohols, amines, epoxy compounds, carboxylic acid anhydrides, and aldehydes.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
41 words
The process of claim 8, wherein said component B is mixed with said component A in an aqueous medium, said components A and B are then swollen in a hydrous solution or dispersion, and the resulting mixture is dried and ground.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
54 words
The process according to claim 14, wherein both of said polymer components A and B are mixed in dry form or one of said components A and B in dry form is mixed with the other of said components A and B which is already swollen by means of a hydrous solution or dispersion.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
53 words
The process according to claim 8, wherein said component B is swollen by a hydrous solution or dispersion and is mixed with said component A which is swollen by a hydrous solution or dispersion, optionally under the addition of a hydrous solution or dispersion, and wherein the resulting mixture is dried and ground.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process according to claim 1, wherein the mixing of the polymer components and the mixing of the other components is effected at temperatures of 0° C. to 100° C.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process according to claim 17, wherein the drying is effected at 40° C. to 180° C. and the ground product is screened to a particle size of 90 to 630 μm.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
35 words
The process according to claim 1, wherein said first heat treatment is carried out at 25° C. to 180° C., and said optional second heat treatment is carried out at 25° C. to 180° C.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
The process according to claim 1, wherein following the grinding, said organic matrix material and said anti-blocking agent are admixed in the presence of a hydrous solution or dispersion.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
44 words
The process according to claim 1, wherein the cross-linking agent is dissolved or dispersed in a mixture of water and/or a hydrous organic solvent and added to the polymer components to be contacted or to the other components, prior to said first heat treatment.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
The absorbent composition according to claim 1, wherein said composition is contained in a fiber, film, powder, or granular material.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
A composition comprising the absorbent composition of claim 2, wherein said absorbent composition is in the form of a powder or is dispersed in hydrophobic media.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
28 words
An active substance-containing composition according to claim 2, wherein said active substance is selected from the group consisting of a drug, a pesticide, a bactericide, and a perfume.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
11 words
A composition according to claim 4, wherein component A is carboxymethylcellulose.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
A composition of claim 6, wherein said metal compounds are selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, aluminum, zirconium, iron, titanium, and zinc compounds.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
25 words
A process according to claim 9, wherein said composition comprises 5-15%-wt., relative to said components A and B, of said at least one anti-blocking agent.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
11 words
A process according to claim 10, wherein component A is carboxymethylcellulose.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
26 words
A process according to claim 12, wherein said metal compounds are selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, aluminum, zirconium, iron, titanium, and zinc compounds.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process according to claim 17, wherein said mixing occurs at room temperature.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
37 words
A process according to claim 19, wherein said first heat treatment is carried out at from 100° C. to 120° C., and said optional second heat treatment is carried out at from 50° C. to 80° C.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
31 words
A process according to claim 20, wherein said matrix material and said anti-blocking agent are admixed in the presence of water or a mixture of water and a hydrous organic solvent.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
31 words
An article comprising the absorbent composition of claim 22, wherein said article is selected from the group consisting of packaging materials, culture pots, cable sheathing, tampons, diapers and animal hygiene products.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
13 words
A composition of claim 23, wherein said composition further comprises a dispersion stabilizer.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
38 words
A process according to claim 8, further comprising the steps of contacting said absorbent polymer composition with an aqueous or hydrous solution comprising an active agent, and optionally drying the resulting mixture, thereby forming a depot material composition.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
29 words
A process according to claim 8, further comprising the step of adding an active agent to the mixture at any of the steps, thereby forming a depot material composition.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
116 words
The composition according to claim 1, wherein the covalent cross-linking agent (D) is a compound selected from the group consisting of citric acid, mucic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, polyethylene glycols, glycerol, propanediols, polyoxypropylene amines, epichlorohydrin, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, glycol diglycidyl ether, succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate, and heterofunctional compounds comprising at least two functional groups of compounds selected from the group consisting of citric acid, mucic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, polyethylene glycols, glycerol, propanediols, polyoxypropylene amines, epichlorohydrin, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, glycol diglycidyl ether, succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
116 words
The process according to claim 8, wherein the covalent cross-linking agent (D) is a compound selected from the group consisting of citric acid, mucic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, polyethylene glycols, glycerol, propanediols, polyoxypropylene amines, epichlorohydrin, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, glycol diglycidyl ether, succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate, and heterofunctional compounds comprising at least two functional groups of compounds selected from the group consisting of citric acid, mucic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, polyethylene glycols, glycerol, propanediols, polyoxypropylene amines, epichlorohydrin, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, glycol diglycidyl ether, succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate.