Abstract: Methods of preparing granules which contain a water soluble or water dispersable polymer suitable for use in detergents are disclosed, in which a solution of the polymer in a liquid or a dispersion of the polymer in a liquid is formed into granules, in a single drying and granulation stage, wherein the polymer solution or dispersion is introduced into a substantially horizontal drum containing a multiplicity or rotating arms proximate its internal surface, which internal surface has an elevated temperature, and a gas is introduced into the drum at an elevated temperature via a gas inlet. Granules prepared by such methods may be used in detergent compositions, water treatment compositions, agrochemical compositions, adhesive compositions and cosmetic compositions, and may be used as pigment dispersants, mineral dispersants, cement additives, oil field additives, textile additives and paper additives.

Abstract: A process for the polymerization of polymers of itaconic acid and vinyl acetate comprising the step of polymerizing(i) from 10 to 95 mole percent of monomer units of the formula I: ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, which may be the same or different, represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or an ethyl group, and M is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl (C.sub.1 to C.sub.18) chain or an organic group such as an amino containing functionality;(ii) from 5 to 90 mole percent of monomer units of the formula II: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom or the group --COCH.sub.3 ; and(iii) from 0 to 45 mole percent of a ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable comonomer, said polymerization being carried out using semi-batch polymerization procedures at a temperature of 60.degree. to 200.degree. C. in the presence of a substantially anhydrous alcoholic solvent.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polymers containing at least one hydrophilic monomeric component and at least one hydrophobic monomeric component comprising the step of polymerizing the monomers in the presence of free radical polymerization initiators in an aqueous medium consisting of water and a cosolvent, wherein the amount of cosolvent is monitored so as to maintain the ratio of water to cosolvent equal or greater than unity during the reaction, thereby keeping the polymer as it forms in a sufficiently mobile condition and preventing homopolymerization and precipitation of the polymer from the hydrophobic monomer; thereby producing a polymer as a relatively high solids, low viscosity, opaque or semi-opaque product which is stable and slightly cloudy, opaque or semi-opaque, which exhibits no gelling, coagulation or product separation on standing and which, upon dilution to 0.25% solids content w/w, has a turbidity of at least 10 Nephelometric Turbidity units.