Abstract A process for impregnating fiber and textile materials with hydrophilic polymers prepared by 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 hydroxy groups, such as 2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate or hydroxy propyl methacrylate. Suitable crosslinking agents include ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 1,3butylene dimethacrylate, 1,4-butylene dimethacrylate or other polyfunctional monomeric esters. The fiber and textile materials can be impregnated from liquid casting syrups, from alcoholic solution of the polymer, or from aqueous emulsion of the polymer. The impregnated polymer exhibits an elongation of about 5 percent or less in the dry state.
A method according to claim 1 wherein the cross-linking agent is present in an amount of 0.05 to 1 gram per 100 grams of monoester.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein there is added to the casting syrup sufficient free radical catalyst to hasten the completion of the polymerization.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the fibrous material is in the form of a suture.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the fibrous material is in the form of a wound dressing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said casting syrup includes hydroxyethyl methacrylate or hydroxypropyl methacrylate monomer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method according to claim 6 wherein the polymerization is carried out to an extent to produce a substantially completely polymerized hydrophilic copolymer incapable of absorbing more than up to about 30 percent by weight of water when equilibrated in aqueous solution.