Method and composition for incorporating radiation-absorbing agents into polymers

US6149692A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Novartis AG · CH

Inventors

• John Martin Lally · Lilburn, US
• Deborah J. Mulcahy · Suwanee, US
• Achim Müller · Aschaffenburg, DE
• Beat Muller · Marly, CH
• Bernhard Seiferling · Goldbach, DE
• Friedrich Stockinger · Hölstein, CH

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 27, 1998
• Grant date: Nov 21, 2000
• Expiry date: Aug 27, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC D): Textiles; Paper
• CPC primary: D06P5/2005
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of incorporating dyes into polymeric materials. The method involved contacting a functionalized dye with a high molecular weight crosslinkable polymer precursor, dispensing the solution into a mold and applying radiation, thereby forming a molded article having dye covalently bonded to the polymer backbone. A preferred product is a visibility tinted disposable contact lens comprising poly(vinyl alcohol). Various embodiments of the innovative method offer advantages in reduced fabrication cycles, reduced extractables, elimination of post-polymerization activation steps, elimination of post-polymerization extraction steps and reduced scrap and costs associated with lens handling.