Method of forming polymer particles

Claim 1

A process for forming cross-linked polymeric particles comprising forming an aqueous salt solution; introducing into said salt solution a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol polymer, said solution containing salt of a composition and present in an amount sufficient to inhibit solubilization of the polymer in the aqueous salt solution; introducing a polyfunctional reagent capable of reacting with at least two hydroxy groups of said polymer: said reagent selected from the group consisting of aldehyde containing compounds, di- and polycarboxylic acids, methylol and alkoxymethyl substituted ureas, or methylol and alkoxymethyl substituted melamines; mixing said aqueous solution at a temperature and for a time sufficient to cause said polyfunctional reagent to react with said polymeric hydroxyl groups; and recovering the polymeric product as a dry powder which is capable of forming discrete gelled particles when reconstituted with water.