Abstract: The present invention is directed to a color selection method, which includes the steps of selecting colors in accordance with identification criteria supplied, for example, by a vehicle manufacturer; displaying the colors in the form of color reference chips on the screen of a display unit attached to a computer; selecting a desired color chip from the color reference chips on the screen; accessing and displaying color formulas; and then finally selecting a desired color formula that lists all the ingredients needed to prepare a coating composition, such as automotive refinish paint or architectural paint, from the color formulas displayed on the screen. The technician can then mix the ingredients, such as tints, in the proportions provided in the desired color formula to make the coating composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the synthesis of addition polymers containing branches upon branches and having a polymerizable olefin end group by a convenient one-pot polymerization of selected vinyl monomers with chain polymerization initiators and a method to provide olefinic end groups by chain termination agents; and polymers produced thereby characterized by branch-on-branch structure and lower inherent viscosity than heretofore possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to curable coating compositions containing acetoacetylated polyvinyl polymers obtained from polyvinyl polymers, such as polyvinyl butyrals. These coating compositions are especially suitable for use as wash primers in automotive OEM and refinish coating applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to rapid drying lacquers that are particularly useful for automotive OEM refinish applications. The lacquer includes a novel highly branched copolyester polyol. This invention is also directed to a process for producing coatings from the rapid drying lacquers. These lacquers are especially useful in providing for chip and humidity resistant coatings having improved adhesion.

Abstract: This invention is directed to alkyl cobalt (III) dioximates and methods for making these dioximates.

Abstract: A low VOC clear coat composition which comprises an epoxy compound, a melamine component and an aliphatic polyisocyanate having an average of 2 to 6 isocyanate functionalities, and optionally contains a catalyst (e.g., organotin catalysts, acid catalysts and combinations); a polyhydroxyl functional compound (e.g., polycarbonate polyol); or other additives (e.g., light absorbers and light stabilizers). Also disclosed is an article coated with the clear coat composition, a process of making the composition, and a process of applying the composition to, for example, an automobile body.

Abstract: A process for preparing microgel(s) that uses a wide range of activatable prepolymers; in the process, a polymer composition of crosslinked component A and soluble components B and C is formed from mono-olefinic and multi-olefinic monomers in the presence of catalyst and initiator; the process comprises: I) introducing mono-olefinic monomer, catalyst, and initiator into a reactor in the absence of multi-olefinic monomer and producing an activatable prepolymer, component B; II) contacting the product of I) with multi-olefinic monomer to produce components A and C, optionally in the presence of additional initiator; also optionally in the presence of additional mono-olefinic monomer and initiator; the ratio of components A/(B+C) can be controlled by varying the mole ratio of Component B/multi-olefinic monomer from 0.05/1 up to 5/1, by decreasing the mole ratio to increase the ratio of A/(B+C), and increasing the mole ratio to decrease the ratio of A/(B+C).

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes recirculating systems though which the dispersants are recirculated to prevent settling of solid components, such as pigments that may be present in the dispersants. The apparatus includes dispensers located on a movable table positioned inside a frame assembly of the apparatus. The table is positioned to dispense a selected dispersant into a container placed atop a weighing scale through the dispenser selected in accordance with a recipe. The weight of the selected dispersant is monitored by the weighing scale and once a desired amount of the selected dispersant is dispensed, a signal is received by the apparatus from the weighing scale to switch off the dispensing of the dispersant. The table is then moved to deliver the next dispersant, required in the recipe. The process is continued until all the desired dispersants are dispensed in the container to form the composition, such as an automotive paint.

Abstract: A free radical polymerization process suitable for synthesizingpolymers is disclosed. The process utilizes novel sulfur based chain transfer agents and is widely compatible over a range of monomers and reaction conditions. Novel polymers having low pollydispersity and predictable specific polymer architecture and molecular weight are produced by the process. The polymers produced by the process are suitable for use as binders in automotive OEM and refinish coatings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the synthesis of addition polymers containing branches upon branches and having a polymerizable olefin end group by a convenient one-pot polymerization of selected vinyl monomers with chain polymerization initiators and a method to provide olefinic end groups by chain termination agents; and polymers produced thereby characterized by branch-on-branch structure and lower inherent viscosity than heretofore possible.

Abstract: This invention is directed to alkyl cobalt (II) dioximates and methods for making these dioximates.

Abstract: A method of producing self dispersible organic pigment particles stabilized by the method. The method includes modifying organic pigment particles and then contacting the surface modified particles with an aqueous vapor entrained in a carrier gas to produce the stabilized organic pigment particles. Typically the pigment particles are modified by exposing their surfaces to ozone or a plasma-activated process gas. The surface stabilizing method prevents the violent exothermic reaction, which occurs when surface modified pigment particles are exposed to ambient air. The method is accomplished in a device, which includes a reactor, means for introducing in the reactor aqueous vapor entrained in a carrier gas and an agitator assembly for deagglomerating during surface modification the pigment particles placed in the reactor.

Abstract: A process for the application of aqueous multi-component coating compositions comprising at least two components and are prepared by premixing said components. The mixture is applied to a substrate using high-speed rotary atomization, wherein the high-speed rotary atomizer(s) is operated with a circumferential velocity of the spray edge(s) in the range of 10,000 to 25,000 m/min.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for forming star shaped microgels which include a core of crosslinked polymer and multiplicity of substantially linear polymeric arms of macromonomers attached to the core. The process includes polymerizing monoethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of a chain transfer agent to form macromonomers each having a terminal polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated group and then polymerizing, in presence of the macromonomers, the monoethylenically unsaturated monomers and multi-olefinic crosslinking monomers. The microgels of the present invention can be used as rheology control agents in waterborne and solvent-borne coatings and in adhesives and cosmetics.

Abstract: A process for preparing microgel(s) that uses a wide range of activatable prepolymers. In the process, a polymer composition of crosslinked component A and soluble components B and C is formed from mono-olefinic and multi-olefinic monomers in the presence of catalyst and initiator. The process comprises: I) introducing mono-olefinic monomer, catalyst, and initiator into a reactor in the absence of multi-olefinic monomer and producing an activatable prepolymer, component B; II) contacting the product of I) with multi-olefinic monomer to produce components A and C, optionally in the presence of additional initiator; also optionally in the presence of additional mono-olefinic monomer and initiator. The ratio of components A/(B+C) can be controlled by varying the mole ratio of The Component B/multi-olefinic monomer from 0.05/1 up to 5/1, by decreasing the mole ratio to increase the ratio of A/(B+C), and increasing the mole ratio to decrease the ratio of A/(B+C).

Abstract: This invention provides for an aqueous metallic flake containing coating composition having improved glamour. The coating composition includes a neutralized phosphated segmented copolymer dispersed in an aqueous carrier. The phosphorous moiety in the segmented copolymer passivates the metallic flakes, such as aluminum flakes, used to produce the glamour. As a result, generation of hydrogen gas is substantially reduced. The segmented copolymer is provided with hydrophobic and nonionic hydrophilic segments. Applicants have discovered that by including a nonionic hydrophilic segment in the segmented copolymer, glamour of the resultant coating composition can be improved.

Abstract: A curable coating composition comprising functionalized oligomer components i and ii which cross-link at cure to form a three-dimensional network having chains of substantially uniform, controllable molecular weight between cross-links; oligomers i and ii having weight average molecular weights not exceeding about 3,000, a polydispersity for (i) not exceeding about 1.5, and functionalities that react with one another to cross-link i and ii at cure to yield coatings with an excellent balance of hardness and mar resistance.

Abstract: A free radical polymerization process suitable for synthesizing polymers is disclosed. The process utilizes novel sulfur based chain transfer agents and is widely compatible over a range of monomers and reaction conditions. Novel polymers having low polydispersity and predictably specific polymer architecture and molecular weight are produced by the process. The polymers produced by the process are suitable for use as binders in automotive OEM and refinish coatings.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a clear coating composition most suitable for use as a top clear coat in multi-layered OEM or refinish automotive coatings. The coating composition includes isocyanate and melamine components. The isocyanate component includes an aliphatic polyisocyanate. The composition may be formulated as a two-pack or one-pack coating composition, wherein the isocyanate functionalities are blocked with a blocker such as a mono-alcohol.

Abstract: The invention provides an aqueous coating composition comprising nonionically and/or anionically stabilized film-forming polymers and metallic pigments and a compound which is the reaction product of a phosphonic acid derivative, a hydroxy-functional addition polymers and, optionally a compound having a hydroxy group, in which the phosphonic acid derivative is selected from one or both of wherein R and R′ are selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic and an aromatic substituent having 1 to 25 carbon atoms optionally including heteroatoms of at least one of oxygen, phosphorus and silicon.