| abstract |
A copolymer of recurring units of at least one alpha , beta -unsaturated monomer and recurring units of at least one copolymerizable comonomer comprising, in its preferred embodiment from about 20 to about 80 percent pendant carboxylic acid units and from about 80 to about 20 percent pendant carboxylate salt units, is blended with at least one monomer containing at least two hydroxyl groups to produce a water-absorbing composition upon curing. The composition is particularly suitable for fiber formation. |