DESC:FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE:
The present disclosure relates to a process for the hydrophilization of polymers.
BACKGROUND:
Polymer membranes or water insoluble matrices find numerous applications for purposes such as solid phase synthesis of biomaterials, support phases in chromatography and support phases for liquid absorbents such as in disposable absorbent articles including diapers, adult incontinence products, wipes and feminine hygiene products. Most of the commonly used synthetic materials are hydrophobic in nature. However, the water repellent or hydrophobic nature of the materials often leads to problems such as high non-specific adsorption, protein denaturation and difficulty in derivatization. A need is therefore felt, to develop hydrophilic synthetic matrices, to overcome the afore-stated predicaments.
EXISTING KNOWLEDGE:
United States Patent No. 2876185 discloses a process for hydrophilization of polymers by means of chlorination under ultra violet light. European Patent No. 1470282 discloses the use of high energy treatment such as corona discharge treatment, plasma treatment, UV radiation, ion beam treatment, electron beam treatment and laser treatment to effect hydrophilization of polymers. United States Patent No. 3254055 discloses that a combination of polyethylene terephthalate and PCDT (1, 4-cyclohexylenedimethyleneterephthalate) results in the formation of an altogether different hydrophilic material. United States Patent No. 7968653 discloses the use of Fenton’s reagent, a combination of ferrous sulfate (FeSO¬4) and hydrogen peroxide, for achieving hydroxylation of polymers. Another United States Patent No. 4740282 discloses the hydrophilization of hydrophobic contact lens (es) material by using hydrogen peroxide and metal catalyst.
The major disadvantage allied with the above described prior-art and other related references is the production of hydrophilic polymers with degraded polymer chains. The polymer chain degradation during hydrophilization of polymers results into the production of hydrophilic polymer with reduced molecular weight. As a result other correlated properties of the polymers such as intrinsic viscosity, polydispersity index, melting temperature, glass transition temperature and the like also get affected. Further, the conventional processes also employ expensive, state-of-the-art techniques to bring about hydrophilization that mandates substantial capital. Post-hydrophilization, the polymers are used for desired applications, either singly or in combination with other materials, such as described in US4543159. However, most of the prior art methods involve the principle of physical adherence which gives rise to polymers with less tensile strength.
Therefore, there is felt a need to provide an improved process for the hydrophilization of polymers that minimizes polymer chain degradation during the hydrophilization process and results into the production of hydrophilic polymers with intact properties. The production of hydrophilic polymers with intact properties opens number of opportunities for their further utilization.
OBJECTS:
Some of the objects of the present invention are described herein below:
It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a process for the hydrophilization of polymers wherein the process is simple, economic, energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a process for the hydrophilization of polymers which minimizes the polymer chain degradation during the hydrophilization process thereby resulting into the production hydrophilic polymers with intact properties.
A yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide hydrophilic polymers which are utilized in numerous applications including, but not limited to, their uses in the preparation of adhesives and paints, in the solid phase synthesis of biomaterials, as a support phase in chromatography and as a support phase for liquid absorbents, for example, in disposable absorbent articles including diapers, adult incontinence products, wipes and feminine hygiene products, and as a reinforcing agent for preparing composites.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figure, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
SUMMARY:
In one aspect the present disclosure provides a process for the hydrophilization of polymers, said process comprising the following steps:
i. preparing 5 to 10 % clear aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent by dissolving the oxidizing agent in water under continuous stirring at a temperature varying from 30 to 100 oC under nitrogen gas flow for a time period varying from 2 to 240 minutes;
ii. discontinuing the flow of nitrogen;
iii. adding a polymer into the clear aqueous solution of the oxidizing agent under continuous stirring to obtain a reaction mixture and continuing the stirring for a time period varying from 0.5 to 8 hours;
iv. filtering the obtained reaction mixture to obtain hydrophilic polymer; and
v. washing the hydrophilic polymer with water until filtrate of neutral pH is obtained and subsequently drying the hydrophilic polymer under hot air.

The oxidizing agent used in the process of the present disclosure is potassium perdisulphate.
The nitrogen gas flow is typically continued for a time period varying from 15 to 60 minutes
The polymer used for the purpose of the hydrophilization includes a polymer that has at least one C-H bond in its main polymer chain. Suitable non-limiting examples of such polymers include polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and natural rubber.
In accordance with one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the polymer is polyethylene terephthalate in the form of fibers having average diameter in the range of 1 to 50 micron.
The process for the hydrophilization of polymers in accordance with the present disclosure further comprising a method step of reacting the hydrophilic polymer with an additional reagent selected from the group consisting of organic and inorganic esters and their derivatives, nitrates, quaternary ammonium salts, and halides including bromide and iodides.
In accordance with one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the additional regent is tetraethyl orthosilicate.
Typically, the properties of the polymer remains unchanged upon hydrophilization thereof, said properties being selected from the group consisting of number average molecular weight, weight average molecular weight, polydispersity index, intrinsic viscosity and melting temperature.
In another aspect the present disclosure provides a hydrophilic polymer prepared in accordance with the process of the present disclosure.
In still another aspect the present disclosure provides a process for preparing a reinforced composite, said process comprising the following steps:
i. preparing the hydrophilic polymers in accordance with the process disclosed in the present disclosure; and
ii. mixing the dried hydrophilic polymer in an aqueous slurry containing at least one material insoluble in water to obtain a reinforced composite.
The material used for the purpose of preparing the reinforced composite with the hydrophilic polymer includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of clay, silica, cement, asbestos, fly ash, and cellulose fibers.
The hydrophilic polymer is typically mixed in an amount varying from 0.1 to 20 % by weight.
In a yet another aspect the present disclosure provides a reinforced composite prepared in accordance with the process of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

The description herein after the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Accordingly, disadvantages allied with the above described prior-art and other related prior-art references such as degradation of polymer chains during the hydrophilization of polymers which results into the production of hydrophilic polymers with reduced molecular weight thereby affecting its various properties are alleviated to a significant extent in the present disclosure by providing an improved process for the hydrophilization of polymers wherein various properties of the polymers such as molecular weight, intrinsic viscosity, melting temperature and the like remain intact upon hydrophilization thereof.
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a process for the hydrophilization of polymers, said process comprising the steps reacting a polymer with an aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent under pre-determined reaction conditions of temperature and time to obtain a hydrophilic polymer.

In order to obstruct the polymer chain degradation during the hydrophilization process, the inventors of the present disclosure advantageously optimize various reaction conditions such as temperature, time, the presence nitrogen gas flow and its purging time and the like.

A clear aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent is prepared first. For this, a pre-determined weight proportion of an oxidizing agent is mixed with water under continuous stirring. The mixing is typically carried out at a temperature varying from 30 to 100 oC under continuous stirring and in the presence of nitrogen gas flow to obtain a clear aqueous solution of the oxidizing agent. The nitrogen gas flow is typically continued for a time period varying from 2 to 240 minutes. In accordance with one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the nitrogen gas flow is continued for a time period varying from 15 to 60 minutes. The oxidizing agent is typically added in an amount so as to obtain 5 to 10 % aqueous solution of the oxidizing agent. Non-limiting examples of the oxidizing agent suitable for the purpose of the present disclosure include potassium perdisulphate.

Once the clear aqueous solution of the oxidizing agent is obtained, the nitrogen gas flow is stopped. To the obtained clear aqueous solution of the oxidizing agent which is heated to a temperature of around 85oC is then added a polymer. The reaction mixture thus obtained is then agitated continuously for a time period varying from 0.5 hours to 8 hours. The temperature of the reaction mixture is typically maintained in the range of 85 to 90 oC, preferably below the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture so as to avoid degradation of the polymer chains. Subsequently, the reaction mixture is filtered and the obtained hydrophilic polymer is collected. The hydrophilic polymer is then washed with water repetitively till filtrate of pH 7± 0.5 is obtained. The washed hydrophilic polymer is then dried under hot air.
The polymer used for the purpose of the present disclosure includes a polymer which contains at least one carbon center in its polymeric chain and wherein the carbon center is attached to at least one hydrogen atom by means of a C-H bond. Examples of polymers suitable for the process of the present disclosure include at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and natural rubber. The polymer in accordance with the process of the present disclosure is used as such without any selection of shape and size, and without any treatment before subjecting to hydrophilization. In accordance with one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the polymer used in the process of the present disclosure is in fiber form. The polymer fibers having the following dimension are typically chosen for the purpose of the present disclosure: diameter in the range of 1 to 50 micron and length in the range of 6 to 600 mm.
The potassium perdisulphate which is used as the oxidizing agent in the process of present disclosure has at least one O-O bond which breaks to yield at least one hydroxyl group radical when heated in the presence of water. The hydroxyl group radical (A) provided by the peroxy reagent bonds with at least one carbon center of the polymer to result in the formation of the hydrophilic polymer/hydroxylated polymer (hydrophilic polymer-I). The non-limiting schematic representation of the hydrophilization reaction is as follows:


The hydrophilicity of the hydrophilic polymer obtained in accordance with the process of the present disclosure is more than that of the polymer used for the purpose of hydrophilization, as inferred from the FTIR spectroscopic peaks illustrated in Figure 1 one of the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings shows FTIR spectra of polyethylene terephthalate polymer before hydrophilization and after hydrophilization in accordance with the process of the process of the present disclosure. The FTIR spectrum of the hydrophilic polyethylene terephthalate shows peaks at 3420 cm-1 and 1040 cm-1 corresponding to –O–H stretching and –O–H bending vibrations, respectively. The hydrophilic polymer also retains its methylene blue color as compared to parent polymer. Further, as examined by intrinsic viscosity, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and gel permeable chromatography (GPC) results, there are no incidences of polymer degradation or length alteration upon hydrophilization of polymer, thus no alternation in molecular weight or strength, as compared to the polymer used for the purpose of the hydrophilization.
The hydrophilicity of the hydrophilic polymers of the present disclosure may further be enhanced. The process for the hydrophilization of polymers in accordance with the present disclosure further comprises a step of reacting the hydrophilic polymer with an additional reagent capable of reacting with the hydroxyl groups of the hydrophilic polymer. Non-limiting examples of the additional reagent suitable for the purpose of the present disclosure includes organic and inorganic esters including their derivatives, nitrates, quaternary ammonium salts, and halides including bromide and iodides. In accordance with one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the additional reagent is tetraethyl orthosilicate.
The method step of preparing the hydrophilic polymer with enhanced hydrophilicity is represented by means of the following non-limiting schematics:

The hydrophilic polymer obtained in accordance with the process of the present disclosure are used in a diverse spectrum of applications including, but not limited to, their uses in the preparation of adhesives and paints, solid phase synthesis of biomaterials, as a support phase in chromatography, as a support phase for liquid absorbents such as in disposable absorbent articles including diapers, adult incontinence products, wipes and feminine hygiene products. Further, as a virtue of the hydroxyl groups present in the hydrophilic polymer of the present disclosure, dipolar interaction with polar groups or atoms of other materials may also be availed to make stronger composite or reinforced materials.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a reinforced composite derived from the hydrophilic polymer of the present disclosure. The hydrophilic polymer prepared in accordance with the process of the present disclosure is used as a reinforcing agent for manufacturing composites of materials. The material used for the purpose of preparing the reinforced composite is typically chosen from materials which are hydrophilic in nature and not soluble in solvents capable of solubilizing the hydrophilic polymer of the present disclosure, for example water. Non-limiting examples of the materials suitable for the purpose of the present disclosure include at least one material selected from the group consisting of silica, cement, clay, fly ash, cellulose fibers and asbestos. For preparing the reinforced composite in accordance with present disclosure, a pre-determined weight proportion of the hydrophilic polymer (hydrophilic polymer-I/Hydrophilic polymer-II) is mixed with an aqueous slurry of the material. The obtained resultant slurry is agitated thoroughly for a time period varying from 5 to 60 minutes to obtain a reinforced composite. The resultant slurry comprising the reinforced composite is poured into a mold of the desired shape. The molded article thus obtained is then extracted from the molds and cured in water for around 14 days. The molded articles of the reinforced composites are then removed from water and dried in open for a day, and tested for flexural strength in “INSTRON” machine.
Schematic representation of one of the embodiments of the process for preparing reinforced composite in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated as follows:

Flexural strength of the composite is found to be more than that of composites made by using the polymer without introducing hydroxyl groups. The hydrophilization of the polymer facilitates stronger molecular interaction between the hydrophilic polymer and the material such as cement, clay, silica and the like. The interaction of the hydrophilic polymer with the material can take place through bonds or can be a spatial interaction such as van der Walls forces. These molecular interactions results in the enhancement of the flexural strength of the resulting composites.

The hydrophilization of the polymer without any adverse effects results in enhancement in the tensile strength of the reinforced composite. Since hydrophilic interaction plays an important role in the formation of the reinforced composite, higher the hydrophilic or polar interaction, higher will be the strength of the reinforced composite. Therefore, the improved tensile strength of the reinforced composite enables its application in various fields such as masonry, construction and the like.
The process for the hydrophilization of polymers provides hydrophilic polymers with out polymer chain degradation which is a great advantage for their further applications such as their uses as a reinforcing agent for making composites with enhanced tensile strength. Further, the process of the present disclosure uses water as a reaction medium. The use of water as a reaction medium makes the process of the present disclosure, simple, cost efficient and environmentally safe.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the invention to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the invention as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
Example 1:
5 % aqueous solution of potassium perdisulphate (K2S2O8) was taken in a 2.5 liter round bottomed flask and kept under continuous stirring under nitrogen gas flow. After 15 minutes of stirring, heat was applied to accomplish the temperature of 85 oC for complete dissolution of the potassium perdisulphate. The nitrogen gas flow was continued for around 30 minutes. Once the clear aqueous solution of the potassium perdisulphate was obtained, the nitrogen gas flow was stopped. Thereafter, 5 g of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was gradually dispersed into the clear aqueous solution of potassium perdisulphate under continuous stirring. The reaction mixture thus obtained was then gradually heated to 85-90°C under continuous stirring. The reaction time considered from the point the temperature reached 85°C till the point heating and stirring was stopped was 4 hours. The reaction mixture was then filtered to collect hydrophilic polyethylene terephthalate. The hydrophilic polyethylene terephthalate was washed with water till the pH of filtrate was neutral or 7 ± 0.5. Thereafter, the hydrophilic polyethylene terephthalate was dried under air.

Example 2:
The hydrophilization of polyethylene terephthalate was carried out in the manner similar to that in example-1, except the reaction time considered from the point the temperature reached 85 °C till the point heating and stirring was stopped was 8 hours.
Example 3:
In this example, the hydrophilization of polyethylene terephthalate was carried out in the manner similar to that in example-1, except the reaction time considered from the point the temperature reached 85 °C till the point heating and stirring was stopped was 2 hours.
Example 4:
In this example, the hydrophilization of polyethylene terephthalate was carried out in the manner similar to that in example 1, except the reaction temperature of 40 °C.
Example 5:
In this example, the hydrophilization of polyethylene terephthalate was carried out in the manner similar to that in example 1, except the reaction temperature of 100 °C.
Example-6:
In this example, the hydrophilization of polyethylene terephthalate was carried out in the manner similar to that in example-1, except 10 % aqueous solution of potassium perdisulphate (K2S2O8) was prepared.
Example-7:
In this example, the hydrophilization of polyethylene terephthalate was carried out in the manner similar to that in example-6, except the reaction time considered from the point the temperature reached 85 °C till the point heating and stirring was stopped was 2 hours.

Example-8:
In this example, the hydrophilization of polyethylene terephthalate was carried out in the manner similar to that in example-6, except the reaction time considered from the point the temperature reached 85 °C till the point heating and stirring was stopped was 0.5 hours.
Example 9:
In this example, the hydrophilization of polyethylene terephthalate was carried out in the manner similar to that in example 1, except the polyethylene terephthalate fibers of 13 µm x 6 mm dimension were used.
Example 10:
In this example, the hydrophilization of polyethylene terephthalate was carried out the manner similar to example-1, except the polyethylene terephthalate fibers of 13 µm x 600 mm dimension were used.
Example-11:
In this example, 18 gm of hydrophilic polyethylene terephthalate obtained from example-1 was added in 300 ml of hexane under continuous stirring and nitrogen gas flow. Thereafter, 1 g of tetraethyl orthosilicate was added. The obtained reaction mixture was stirred for 4 hours under nitrogen gas flow. Thereafter, the reaction mixture was filtered to collect hydrophilic polyethylene terephthalate (hydrophilic polymer-II). The hydrophilic polyethylene terephthalate polymer thus obtained was washed with methanol followed by water and subsequently dried in air.
The hydrophilic polyethylene terephthalate polymers obtained from Examples 1-11 were subjected to various physicochemical techniques such as FTIR, Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the like to evaluate their various properties such as molecular weight, melting temperature, intrinsic viscosity, glass transition temperature, polydispersity index and the like. The physicochemical properties of the polyethylene terephthalate polymer which was used for the purpose of hydrophilization were also evaluated and compared with the properties of the hydrophilic polyethylene terephthalate polymers. The FTIR spectra of the hydrophilic polyethylene terephthalate polymer of example-1 showed a band near 3420 and 1040 cm-1 which confirms the presence of hydroxyl groups in the hydrophilic polyethylene terephthalate polymer. The molecular weight, intrinsic viscosity, melting temperature and polydispersity index data of the hydrophilic polyethylene terephthalate polymers of some of the examples of 1-10 are illustrated in Table-1. From the provided data, it is clearly evident that polyethylene terephthalate polymer showed no degradation upon hydrophilization.
Table-1:
Properties of polymers
Mn Mw PDI IV, dl/g Tm(oC)
Control 21016 50492 2.4 0.58 250
Ex-1
(85C, 4h, 5%) 22387 51765 2.31 0.59 256
Ex-3
(85C, 2h, 5%) 21720 51847 2.39 0.59 256
Ex-6
(85C, 4h, 10%) 22169 55227 2.31 0.59 250
Ex-7
(85C, 2h, 10%) 22300 51595 2.31 0.58 250
Ex-8
(85C,0.5h, 10%) 22342 54355 2.32 0.58 254

Example 12:
This example describes a process for the preparation of reinforced composite by using the hydrophilic polymer of example-9 as a reinforcing agent.
6.8 gms of hydrophilic polyethylene terephthalate fibers prepared in accordance with example-9 was added in 40% aqueous cement slurry and stirred for 30 minutes to obtain a hydrophilic polyethylene terephthalate fibers reinforced composite. The flexural/tensile strength of the reinforced composite was measured and compared with the composite manufactured with the polyethylene terephthalate polymer fibers used for the purpose of hydrophilization (i.e. non-hydroxylated). The hydrophilic polyethylene terephthalate fibers reinforced composite of this example showed flexural strength of 111 kg/cm2, whereas the composite of non-hydroxylated polyethylene terephthalate fibers showed flexural strength of 100 kg/cm2.
Example 13:
In this example, the reinforced composite was prepared in the manner similar to that in example 12, except cement was replaced by silica.
Example 14:
In this example, the reinforced composite was prepared in the manner similar to that in example 12, except cement was replaced by clay.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS:
The present disclosure related to a process for the hydrophilization of polymers has several technical advancements, including but not limited to the realization of:
• No degradation of polymer chains upon hydrophilization of polymers,
• Various properties of polymers such as molecular weight, intrinsic viscosity, melting temperature and glass transition temperature remain intact upon hydrophilization thereof,
• Use of water as a reaction medium during hydrophilization of polymers thereby making the process cost efficient and environmentally safe ,
• Use of polymers as such in any form without any physical treatment indicating the hydrophilization reaction is not shape-selective in nature,
• Use of oxidizing agents which are recyclable and environmentally friendly, and
• Wide range of applications of the hydrophilic polymers prepared in accordance with the process of the present disclosure, including but not limited to, their use as a reinforcing agent for manufacturing composites
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. ,CLAIMS:1. A process for the hydrophilization of polymers, said process comprising the following steps:
i. preparing 5 to 10 % clear aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent by dissolving the oxidizing agent in water under continuous stirring at a temperature varying from 30 to 95oC under nitrogen gas flow for a time period varying from 2 to 240 minutes;
ii. discontinuing the flow of nitrogen;
iii. adding a polymer into the clear aqueous solution of the oxidizing agent under continuous stirring to obtain a reaction mixture and continuing the stirring for a time period varying from 0.5 hours to 8 hours;
iv. filtering the reaction mixture to obtain hydrophilic polymer; and
v. washing the hydrophilic polymer with water until filtrate of neutral pH is obtained and subsequently drying the hydrophilic polymer under air.

2. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the oxidizing agent is potassium perdisulphate.

3. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nitrogen gas flow was continued for a time period varying from 15 to 60 minutes.

4. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the polymer includes a polymer that has at least one C-H bond in its main polymer chain.

5. The process as claimed in claim 4, wherein the polymer includes at least polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and natural rubber.

6. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the polymer is polyethylene terephthalate in the form of fibers having average diameter in the range of 1 to 50 micron.
7. The process as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a method step of reacting the hydrophilic polymer with an additional reagent selected from the group consisting of organic and inorganic esters including their derivatives, nitrates, quaternary ammonium salts, and halides including bromide and iodides.

8. The process as claimed in claim 7, wherein the additional reagent is tetraethyl orthosilicate.

9. The process claimed in claim 1, wherein the properties of the polymer remains unchanged upon hydrophilization thereof, said properties being selected from the group consisting of number average molecular weight, weight average molecular weight, polydispersity index, intrinsic viscosity and melting temperature.

10. A hydrophilic polymer prepared in accordance with the process as claimed in any of the claims 1-9.

11. A process for preparing a reinforced composite, said process comprising the following steps:

i. preparing the hydrophilic polymers in accordance with the process as claimed in claim-1; and
ii. mixing the dried hydrophilic polymer in an aqueous slurry containing at least one material insoluble in water to obtain a reinforced composite.

12. The process as claimed in claim 11, wherein the material insoluble in water includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of clay, silica, cement, asbestos, fly ash and cellulose fibers.

13. The process as claimed in claim 11, wherein the hydrophilic polymer is mixed in an amount varying from 0.1 to 20 % by weight.

14. A reinforced composite prepared in accordance with the process as claimed in any of the claims 11-13.