The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for
producing a modified polymer having interconnecting channels. The
interconnecting channels act as controlled transmission passages through
the polymer. A hydrophilic agent is blended into the polymer so that it
is distributed within the polymer. In one embodiment, a releasing
material is blended into the polymer so that the releasing material is
distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the
hydrophilic agent forms passages in the product through which a desired
composition is communicable to the releasing material that is entrained
within the product. The solidified product may be used to form a desired
shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed
containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.