Hydrophilic polymers, articles and methods of making same

Abstract

A process for preparing hydrophilic cross-linked polymers and products prepared thereby, said process comprising admixing in a solvent-free system in the presence of a free radical, vinyl polymerization catalyst and reacting a major amount of a water-soluble polymerizable monoester of an olefinic acid having at least one substituted functional group with a minor amount of a polymerizable diester of one of said olefinic acids having at least two esterifiable hydroxyl groups. The novel products include a solid friable foam which can be disintegrated to powder. Shaped bodies can be prepared in the form of articles which can be cast with additives such as fragrances, medicinals, flavors, chemicals and the like, which are gradually released from the article when it is wetted in water or alcohol. Liquid casting syrups adapted to be polymerized in situ with or without additives can be formed. The casting syrups can be prepared in water to yield a polymer soluble in alcohol which is suitable for formation of hydrophilic coatings as by spray, dip, casting and the like.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.