Abstract: Spherical-shaped particles having an average diameter of 10 to 100 microns and the surface thereof is covered with hemispherical-shaped bumps about 0.1 micron in diameter, the particles being a copolymer of alpha-olefins and alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, the copolymer having up to 90% of the carboxylic acid groups ionized by neutralization with metal ions. The particles form a free-flowing powder useful in preparing clear, protective, shatter-resistant coatings for glass, and protective coatings for metals and other material.

Abstract: Method whereby spherical-shaped copolymer particles having a rough surface are produced. In a closed shear zone of a shear device under positive pressure water, at least 0.6% by weight of ammonia, and up to 50% by weight of copolymers of alpha-olefins and alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms, and optionally an additional monoethylenically unsaturated monomer, the copolymer having from 0% to 90% of the carboxylic acid groups ionized by neutralization with metal ions, are sheared at a temperature above the melting point but below the thermal degradation point of the copolymer to form a homogeneous aqueous slurry wherein the copolymer particles have an average particle size of less than 100 microns. The slurry is maintained with agitation at a temperature above the copolymer melting point for at least 0.5 minute until substantially all the copolymer particles become spherical.