Abstract: This invention relates to processes for preparing aqueous polymer emulsions useful as thickening agents in aqueous compositions in which plating and/or grit formation is reduced in said processes. This invention also relates to methods for reducing plating and/or grit formation in processes for preparing aqueous polymer emulsions useful as thickening agents in aqueous compositions. This invention further relates to polymers which are soluble in, or swelled by, an aqueous alkaline medium to provide thickeners for use in aqueous coating compositions, especially latex paints.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymers, especially emulsion polymers, and their use for the thickening of a variety of aqueous systems, to methods of thickening utilizing the polymers, to enhancement of such thickening by the addition of surfactants, solvents or non-solvents, and to other aspects including coating compositions and other aqueous systems thickened with the polymers. This invention also relates to new complex hydrophobe-containing oligomers and their use in producing the polymers of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to latex compositions having desirable wet adhesion and other rheological properties. The processes of the invention allow for preparation of a first polymer which, upon addition of a base or neutralizing agent, substantially dissolves the first polymer, thereby providing a medium for polymerization of a second polymer, stabilizing the second polymer and acting as a dispersant for other coating composition components such as pigments, coalescents, fillers and the like.

Abstract: An anti-icing fluid suitable for ground treatment of aircraft, being a glycol-based, aqueous solution containing a hydrophobe-bearing, macromonomer-containing polymer thickener in an amount of less than about 5 weight %. Thickening occurs predominantly by association among hydrophobe groups. Thickening may be enhanced by addition of a surfactant or other materials which act as co-thickeners. Use of this thickened fluid does not adversely affect airfoil lift characteristics during takeoff, because the fluid exhibits shear thinning and readily flows off the aircraft surfaces when exposed to wind shear during the aircraft's takeoff run.

Abstract: Particle morphology and molecular weight distribution of latex polymers is controlled by a process wherein a primary polymerizable feed composition, (a) a crosslinker and (b) a chain transfer agent during at least a portion of the period of addition of said composition to the polymerization zone, is fed into a polymerization zone while simultaneously feeding a secondary polymerizable feed composition containing chain transfer agent to the primary polymerizable feed composition and thus continually varying the compositional content of the primary polymerizable feed composition.