Polymer Formers - FIZ Karlsruhe

Polymer Indexing
System Description
Each generic concept and semi-generic concept has been assigned a generic code and each
specific concept in the polymer formers hierarchy has been assigned a Specific Compound
Number (SCN).
Generally, the indexers will apply the most appropriate codes to express the information
contained in the patent, using generic codes and chemical aspects for the generic concepts and
for Markush structures in claims, and SCNs for specifically named compounds in claims and
examples.
An important aspect of the design is the autoposting of broader terms when narrow or specific
terms are entered. This procedure is also used for non-structural information, and more
information can be found on page 17.
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Repeating Units
These are sometimes seen explicitly drawn in patents and then there are usually sufficient
details on preparation to permit indexing in terms of monomers and condensants. When this
information is not available, we will use the Polymer Types plus all the appropriate chemical
aspects. Frequently patents will use standard terms such as ‘polyester’ and not provide any
further information. The commonly occurring standard terms of this type are in the Polymer
Types facet. ‘Polyester’ is used when that is what the patent says. However, the polymer
types terms will autopost some aspects. It is also worth noting that we are using the polymer
types codes such as Polyester when a polymer production process clearly involves the formation
of the functional group concerned, thus a polyester production process will receive the
code for polyester.
Searching Polymer Formers or Polymer Types
In the Enhanced Polymer Indexing system there are several methods available for searching
for polymers. Whenever possible, polymers are indexed by their polymer formers (i.e. monomers
and condensants) in addition to one or more Polymer Types codes.
For Addition Polymers with a Polymer Type concept which fully defines the polymer, searching
using Polymer Former(s) linked at level 2 to Polymer Descriptor(s) will give exactly the
same results as searching the Polymer Type code.
For example, searching Propylene Homopolymer (R00964 (2) H0000) will give the same
results as searching Polypropylene P1343 (i.e. propylene homopolymer). Likewise Styrene -
Butadiene block binary copolymer (R00708 (2) R00806 (2) H0044 (2) H0022) will give the
same results as P0373 (Styrene - Butadiene block BCP).