Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid (meth)acrylic syrup for impregnating a fibrous substrate. The invention especially relates to a viscous liquid syrup mainly containing methacrylic or acrylic components. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a syrup. The invention relates further to a process for impregnating a fibrous substrate or long fibers with said viscous liquid syrup. The invention also relates to a fibrous substrate preimpregnated with said syrup, which is useful for the production of mechanical or structured parts or products. The invention also relates to a production method for producing mechanical or structured parts or items and to three-dimensional mechanical or structured parts produced by said method. The invention applies to the production of mechanical parts or structural elements made of impact-resistant thermoplastic composite material.

Abstract: Transparent and impact-resistant crosslinked acrylic composition consisting of a brittle matrix (I) having a glass transition temperature of greater than 0° C. and of elastomeric domains having a characteristic dimension of less than 100 nm consisting of macromolecular sequences (II) having a flexible nature with a glass transition temperature of less than 0° C.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing water-absorbent resin particles comprising a step that includes reversed-phase suspension polymerization of a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer in a suspension containing a surfactant that comprises a surfactant that comprises a fatty acid ester of sorbitan or sorbitol, or derivative thereof, and a hydrocarbon dispersion medium. The fatty acid ester includes a lauric acid ester and at least one kind of other ester selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid esters, stearic acid esters and behenic acid esters. The proportion of the peak area for lauric acid ester is 30-60%, based on the total peak area for fatty acid esters in the GPC chromatogram obtained from the fatty acid esters, and the proportion of the total peak area for other ester is 10-50%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inner-plasticized vinyl chloride-based copolymer resin not requiring plasticizers and a preparation method thereof. Specifically, the vinyl chloride-based copolymer resin is prepared by a suspension polymerization method of initiating the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer, feeding a certain amount of butyl acrylate continuously or discontinuously thereinto and carrying out the additional polymerization at the temperature higher than the polymerization initiation temperature so as to prepare a core-shell type vinyl chloride-based random copolymer resin. The vinyl chloride-based copolymer resin of core-shell structure prepared by the present invention includes vinyl chloride-butyl acrylate copolymer, and it can provide a vinyl chloride-butyl acrylate copolymer product which can be processed without plasticizers positively necessary to produce a soft product.

Abstract: A block copolymer is provided. The block copolymer according to an exemplary embodiment includes a first block represented by Chemical Formula 1 and a second block represented by Chemical Formula 2: wherein COM1 and COM2 are independently selected from a polystyrene moiety, polymethylmethacrylate moiety, polyethylene oxide moiety, polyvinylpyridine moiety, polydimethylsiloxane moiety, polyferrocenyldimethylsilane moiety, and polyisoprene moiety, R1 is hydrogen or an alkyl group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, Ph is a phenyl group, a is 1 to 50, R2 is hydrogen or an alkyl group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and b is 1 to 50.

Abstract: This invention deals with an approach to control anionic polymerization. The anionic polymerization is conducted by adding a kind of initiator ligand compound, directly or in the form of solution into the monomer or initiator at the same or different time, or at different stages. The metal atoms in the ligand can form the association with the initiator cations, while the alkyloxy groups in the initiator ligand can restrict the entering channel of the addition of the monomers due to their relatively large volume or steric hindrance. Therefore, the initiator ligand compound can restrict the rate of anionic polymerization, restrain the side reaction, and make the anionic polymerization possible to be conducted at room or even higher temperature. The molar ratio of initiator ligand compound to initiator is from 0.01:1 to 20:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to an amphiphilic block copolymer having an increased speed of water adsorption. The non-water soluble copolymer, having a hydrophilic middle block and hydrophobic endblocks, has a high rate water transmission and/or permeation. The increase in rate is due to neutralization, or partial neutralization of the hydrophilic block of the copolymer. Furthermore, the absorption rate can be controlled by the extent of the neutralization. Another aspect of the invention is the use of co-monomers and/or additives to further increase or tailor the water absorption properties. The use of additives and comonomers is also shown to enhance the processability of the disclosed polymer composition.

Abstract: Compositions for use in treating and repairing orthopedic defects are provided. The compositions are especially useful for performing percutaneous vertebroplasty, percutaneous kyphoplasty and other procedures. When cured, the compositions are relatively solid but compressible, and prior to curing are viscous liquids with a low enough viscosity to fill voids in cavities such as voids within fractured vertebrae. Optionally, the properties of a composition according to the invention can be adjusted taking into account the hardness and density of the orthopedic structure to be repaired. Also disclosed are devices and methods for using the compositions, and a kit containing components for forming and utilizing the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing water-absorbent resin particles in which a median particle size of primary particles (d) and a median particle size of secondary particles (D) satisfy the relationship of the formula, 5d/3+150<D<5d+150, comprising the steps of: (1) subjecting a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer to a first-step reversed phase suspension polymerization reaction, in a petroleum hydrocarbon solvent, in the presence of a dispersion stabilizer, to give spherical primary particles having a median particle size (d) of from 30 to 130 ?m; (2) cooling the polymerization reaction solution, to precipitate the dispersion stabilizer; and (3) carrying out a second-step reversed phase suspension polymerization reaction by adding the water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer for the second step to the polymerization reaction solution to agglomerate the primary particles, to give secondary particles having a median particle size (D) of from 200 to 500 ?m.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of preparing a reactive polymer and reacting the reactive polymer with a heterocyclic nitrile compound.

Abstract: A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of preparing a reactive polymer and reacting the reactive polymer with a heterocyclic nitrile compound.

Abstract: The current invention includes a composition having stability additives of selected inorganic salts and/or organic incorporated into an aldehyde-functionalized polymer product. The stability additive can be post added to the finished polymer product, added to the reaction vessel prior to inducing functionalization of the non-functionalized polymer, or added at any stage during the functionalization reaction. Methods for forming the composition and using the composition to produce a cellulosic fiber-based medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: It is to provide a narrowly dispersible star polymer having a controlled molecular structure and a method for easily producing such star polymer. The method comprises step (A) wherein arm (I) is formed by binding the anionic end of a polymer having an anionic end to a core and step (B) wherein arm (II) is extended from the core by a living radical polymerization. Examples of the star polymer is specifically exemplified by star polymers characterized by having a structure represented by formula (I-1) or (I-2) (In formula (I-1) or (I-2), B, C1 and C2 each independently represents a group composed of a polymer; and m1 and m2 each independently represents an integer of 1 or 2, wherein when m1 or m2 is 2, both C1 or both C2 represent the same group or different groups).

Abstract: Zwitterionic block copolymers having oppositely charged or chargeable terminal groups, and methods of making and using the same, are disclosed. The zwitterionic block copolymers can undergo microphase separation.

Abstract: This invention deals with an approach to control anionic polymerization. The anionic polymerization is conducted by adding a kind of initiator ligand compound, directly or in the form of solution into the monomer or initiator at the same or different time, or at different stages. The metal atoms in the ligand can form the association with the initiator cations, while the alkyloxy groups in the intiator ligand can restrict the entering channel of the addition of the monomers due to their relatively large volume or steric hindrance. Therfore, the initiator ligand compound can restrict the rate of anionic polymerization, restrain the side reaction, and make the anionic polymerization possible to be conducted at room or even higher temperature. The molar ratio of initiator ligand compound to initiator is from 0.01:1 to 20:1.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for the preparation of pigment particles suitable for use in an electrophoretic dispersion, particularly an electrophoretic dispersion in a fluorinated solvent. The method comprises: a) treating pigment particles to incorporate reactive groups onto the surface of the pigment particles; and b) reacting said reactive group with a functional group in a fluorinated monomer, oligomer or polymer to form a polymer layer over the surface of the pigment particles.

Abstract: Various novel block cationomers comprising polyisobutylene (PIB) and poly(2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) segments have been synthesized and characterized. The specific targets were various molecular weight diblocks (PDMAEMA+) and triblocks (PDMAEMA+-b-PIB-b-PDMAEMA+) with the PIB blocks in the DPn=50-200 (Mn=3,000-9,000 g/mol) range connected to blocks of PDMAEMA+ cations in the DPn=5-20 range. The overall synthetic strategy for the preparation of these block cationomers comprised four steps: 1) Synthesis by living cationic polymerization of mono- and di-allyltelechelic polyisobutylenes, 2) End group transformation to obtain PIBs fitted with termini capable of mediating the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of DMAEMA, 3) ATRP of DMAEMA and 4) Quaternization of PDMAEMA to PDMAEMA+I? by CH3I. Kinetic and model experiments provided guidance to develop convenient synthesis methods.

Abstract: A method of making a polymeric compound, comprising discrete particles responsive to an external stimulus, that is resistant to aggregation in high-shear fields, which includes the addition of a polymerization initiator to a reaction mixture comprising a monomer corresponding to the polymeric compound, wherein the method comprises the portion-wise addition of aliquots of a cross-linking agent to the reaction mixture, wherein an aliquot of the cross-linking agent is added to the reaction mixture both before the addition of the polymerization initiator and after the polymerization has progressed substantially to completion. The polymer particles are largely immune to the effects of transient shear rates at least as high as 106 s?1, whilst maintaining their thermal responsiveness and being present at moderate concentration. The structural and chemical modifications brought by the delayed portion-wise addition of the cross-linking agent allow an improvement in stability in a high-shear field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to arborescent polymers and to a process for making same. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to arborescent polymers formed from at least one inimer and at least one isoolefin that have been end-functionalized with a polymer or copolymer having a low glass transition temperature (Tg), and to a process for making such arborescent polymers. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to arborescent polymers formed from at least one inimer and at least one isoolefin that have been end-functionalized with less than about 5 weight percent end blocks derived from a polymer or copolymer having a high glass transition temperature (Tg), and to a process for making such arborescent polymers.

Abstract: A non-random copolymer is formed, and its structure controlled, using a method including the step of combining a mixture of a first radical polymerizable compound and an organoborane initiator, a second radical polymerizable compound, and an organoborane decomplexing agent, at a rate sufficient to form the non-random copolymer. The non-random copolymer may be a silicon gradient polymer. To form the silicon gradient copolymer, the first and second radical polymerizable compounds are polymerized in the presence of the organoborane initiator and the organoborane decomplexing agent. The silicon gradient copolymer has a polymer backbone consisting of organic moieties and has at least one silicon containing pendent group.

Abstract: A multimodal ethylene polymer with a density of less than 950 kg/m3 obtained by polymerization with a single-site catalyst and having an MFR21 in the range of 10 to 20 g/10 min; a shear thinning index SHI2.7/210 of at least 4; and preferably a crosslinkability of at least 60%.

Abstract: Zwitterionic block copolymers having oppositely charged or chargeable terminal groups, and methods of making and using the same, are disclosed. The zwitterionic block copolymers can undergo microphase separation.

Abstract: Zwitterionic block copolymers having oppositely charged or chargeable terminal groups, and methods of making and using the same, are disclosed. The zwitterionic block copolymers can undergo microphase separation.

Abstract: A multi-functional polymer defined by the formula (Q-R¦n—Z—P2—Y where (Q-R)n is a functionality cluster, Q is a functional group, R is a multi-valent organic group, P2 is a long-chain polymer, n is an integer from about 2 to about 10, Y is a proton, a weak functional group, or a selective functional group, and Z is a branch point where the functionality clusters join the long-chain polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an amphiphilic block copolymer having an increased speed of water adsorption. The non-water soluble copolymer, having a hydrophilic middle block and hydrophobic endblocks, has a high rate water transmission and/or permeation. The increase in rate is due to neutralization, or partial neutralization of the hydrophilic block of the copolymer. Furthermore, the absorption rate can be controlled by the extent of the neutralization. Another aspect of the invention is the use of co-monomers and/or additives to further increase or tailor the water absorption properties. The use of additives and comonomers is also shown to enhance the processability of the disclosed polymer composition.

Abstract: Zwitterionic block copolymers having oppositely charged or chargeable terminal groups, and methods of making and using the same, are disclosed. The zwitterionic block copolymers can undergo microphase separation. In some embodiments a zwitterionic block copolymer includes a first terminal block having a positively charged or chargeable group at a terminal end, and a second terminal block having a negatively charged or chargeable group at another terminal end. The zwitterionic block copolymer is configured to undergo microphase separation to assemble into alternating lamellar domains; with one of the alternating domains being composed of the first terminal block, and with another of the alternating domains being composed of the second terminal block.

Abstract: A process for the purification of a vinyl chloride polymer containing a compound of a heavy metal by: (a) dissolving the PVC in a solvent; (b) treating the solution with at least one additive capable of adsorbing or of forming a complex with the compound of the heavy metal; (c) centrifuging the treated solution to precipitate the adsorbed or complexed compound of the heavy metal; and (d) separating the precipitate from the PVC solution.

Abstract: Peroxide initiators are disclosed that can be used at lower temperatures during HIPS production. Enhanced formation of graft polymers between polystyrene and polybutadiene (rubber) can be accomplished by using these lower temperature peroxide initiators that have a 1 hour half-life period at one or more temperatures from 95° C. to less than 111° C. during the pre-inversion stage. “Higher” temperature initiators are used during and/or after inversion. The use of such “low” temperature initiators improves polymerization rates and grafting values, while reducing the swell index and the amount of rubber used, thereby producing improved HIPS more rapidly and at a lower cost. Also disclosed are HIPS compositions and products produced by such “low” temperature initiators as well as a method of producing improved HIPS.

Abstract: Zwitterionic block copolymers having oppositely charged or chargeable terminal groups, and methods of making and using the same, are disclosed. The zwitterionic block copolymers can undergo microphase separation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of a hydrogenated polymer comprising the steps of hydrogenation of at least one carbon-carbon double bond of an unsaturated polymer in latex in the presence of hydrazine, an oxidizing compound and a catalyst, followed by separation of the hydrogenated polymer from the latex. After the separation of the hydrogenerated polymer from the latex a mixing step is carried out in which the hydrogenated polymer is first mixed with an amine group containing compound and next the hydrogenated polymer is mixed with a compound that is capable of reacting with an amine. The invention also relates to the hydrogenated polymer. The invention further relates to the use of this polymer in a compounds to make an article by shaping and vulcanisation.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of impact-strengthened cast PMMA sheets comprising the following stages: 1. a mixture comprising: at least one alkoxyamine Z(-T)n, in which Z denotes a polyvalent group and n an integer greater than 2, preferably of between 2 and 10, advantageously between 2 and 8, and the monomer(s) intended to form a central block B ?is heated to a temperature sufficient to activate the alkoxyamine and polymerize the monomer(s); 2. the central block B, optionally mixed with the unconsumed monomer(s) from stage 1, is reactivated in the presence of the monomer(s) intended to form the branches A; 3. MAM and optionally at least one comonomer M which can be copolymerized by the radical route with MMA and at least one radical initiator are added to the mixture obtained in stage 2; 4. the mixture from stage 3 is cast in a mould and then heated.

Abstract: A porous article which is formed from a polymeric material, in which characteristics of the surface of the article provided by the polymeric material are modified by having grafted to it chains of polymerized vinyl monomer units, in which the chains each comprise a number of units of a first vinyl monomer and include a unit of a second vinyl monomer which is different from the first vinyl monomer. Preferably, the ratio of the number of units of the first vinyl monomer in each chain to the number of units of the second vinyl monomer is not more than about 60. When the number of second vinyl monomer units in each chain is one, the mean number of first vinyl monomer units in each chain will be not more than 60.

Abstract: The present invention relates to selected 1-alkoxy-2,2,6,6 tetramethyl piperidine, 1-alkoxy-2,2 diethyl-6,6 dimethyl piperidine and 1-alkoxy-2,6 diethyl-2,3,6 dimethyl piperidine derivatives which are substituted in the 4 position by two oxygen atoms forming an open chain or cyclic ketal structure, a polymerizable composition comprising a) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and b) said piperidine derivatives. Further aspects of the present invention are a process for polymerizing ethylenically unsaturated monomers, and the use of 1-alkoxy-2,2,6,6 tetramethyl piperidine, 1-alkoxy-2,2 diethyl-6,6 dimethyl piperidine and 1-alkoxy-2,6 diethyl-2,3,6 dimethyl piperidine derivatives which are substituted in the 4 position by two oxygen atoms forming an open chain or cyclic ketal structure for controlled polymerization.

Abstract: A method for preparing a cationic polyacrylamide composition particularly suitable for making a glyoxylated polyacrylamide composition useful as a temporary wet-strengthening agent and the composition resulting from that method, along with the use of the composition for adding temporary wet strength to paper and the resulting strengthened paper products.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of block copolymers, based on vinylaromatic monomers and monomers deriving from (meth)acrylic acid by means of radicalic polymerization which comprises polymerizing the monomers at a temperature higher than or equal to 120° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to sulfine control agents for synthesizing polymers via controlled free radical polymerization and to the polymers resulting therefrom. Such polymers include repeat units derived from the controlled free radical polymerization, particularly reversible atom fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization, of at least one vinyl-containing monomer, at least one conjugated diene monomer, or combinations thereof, in the presence of a sulfine compound having the formula: wherein R1 is alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted alkyl, heteroalkyl, heterocycloalkyl or substituted heterocycloalkyl, and wherein Y is alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted alkyl, heteroalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, substituted heterocycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, alkoxy, amino or thio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to selected 1-alkoxy-2,2,6,6 tetramethyl piperidine, 1-alkoxy-2,2 diethyl-6,6 dimethyl piperidine and 1-alkoxy-2,6 diethyl-2,3,6 dimethyl piperidine derivatives which are substituted in the 4 position by two oxygen atoms forming an open chain or cyclic ketal structure, a polymerizable composition comprising a) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and b) said piperidine derivatives. Further aspects of the present invention are a process for polymerizing ethylenically unsaturated monomers, and the use of 1-alkoxy-2,2,6,6 tetramethyl piperidine, 1-alkoxy-2,2 diethyl-6,6 dimethyl piperidine and 1-alkoxy-2,6 diethyl-2,3,6 dimethyl piperidine derivatives which are substituted in the 4 position by two oxygen atoms forming an open chain or cyclic ketal structure for controlled polymerization.

Abstract: Provided is a method of converting an anionic living end to a protected free radical “living” end in a well-controlled manner, which enables copolymerization by plural mechanisms. The method is particularly useful for copolymerization of anionically polymerizable monomers and free radical polymerizable monomers, and therefore useful for production of PB-g-PS, HIPS, ABS, and MBS etc. Also provided is a reversibly coupled polymer, which, when decoupled, generates “living” free radical for further copolymer chain reaction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a first generation polymer comprising a step which consists in free radical polymerization of a composition comprising: at least an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, a source of free radicals, at least a dithiophosphoroester compound.

Abstract: Radical polymerization process for the preparation of halogenated polymers employing one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, at least one of which is chosen from halogenated monomers, molecular iodine and one or more radical-generating agents chosen from diazo compounds, peroxides and dialkyl diphenylalkanes Radical polymerization process for the preparation, starting from the halogenated polymers prepared by the process as described above, of block copolymers, at least one block of which is a halogenated polymer block. Halogenated polymers which have a number-average molecular mass Mn of greater than 1.0×104 and an Mz/Mw ratio of less than 1.65. Block copolymers, at least one block of which is a block of halogenated polymer identical to the halogenated polymers described above. Block copolymers comprising at least one halogenated polymer block which have a number-average molecular mass Mn of greater than 1.5×104 and a polydispersity index Mw/Mn of less than 1.60.

Abstract: Radical polymerization process for the preparation of halogenated polymers and block copolymers. Halogenated polymers and block copolymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a latex with modified surface chemistry, which may be obtained by carrying out a free-radical emulsion polymerization in the presence of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer or at least one polymer containing residual ethylenically unsaturated bonds, of at least one free-radical polymerization initiator, of at least one water-soluble and/or water-dispersible monoblock, diblock or triblock polymer comprising at its end an active group capable of forming a radical, chosen from dithioesters, xanthates, thioether-thiones and diothiocarbamates. The invention similarly relates to redispersible powders that may be obtained by drying the said latices.

Abstract: Block copolymers having a polyisobutylene segment and a polycycloaliphatic diene polymer segment are presented. Star block copolymers with 2 to 16 block copolymer arms, wherein each of the arms has a polyisobutylene segment and a polycycloaliphatic diene polymer segment, are presented. The star block copolymers are synthesized via the “core first” method.

Abstract: Chain end functionalized block copolymers having low polydispersity index are produced via controlled free radial polymerization of dithiocarbamates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for the preparation of functionalized telechelics based on vinyl polymers, the telechelics prepared in this way and their use in the plastics, fibers or coating sector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a block copolymer, the first block of which is a polymer or a copolymer having at least one diene and the second block of which is a polymer with a polar monomer. The inventive method is characterised in that: first, the polymerisation or the copolymerisation of the first block is carried out in the presence of a catalyst comprising the product of the reaction of a rare earth alcoholate and an alkylating agent selected from among organolithiums, organomagnesiums, organozincs, organoaluminiums and borons; and, secondly, the copolymerisation of the polar monomer is performed with the first block in the presence of the same catalyst. The invention also relates to a block copolymer consisting of a first block comprising a polmyer or a linear copolymer having at least one diene and a second block comprising a polymer presenting several hydroxy, epoxy and/or alkoxysilyl functions.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel propylene polymers with improved properties especially with improved stiffness and impact strength comprising propylene homopolymers or propylene block copolymers with 90.0 to 99.9 wt % propylene and 0.1 to 10 wt % &agr;-olefins with 2 or 4 to 18 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof, wherein the propylene homopolymers or propylene block copolymers are &bgr;-nucleated propylene polymers, whereby the &bgr;-nucleated propylene homopolymers have an IR&tgr;≧0.98, a tensile modulus ≧1500 MPa at +23° C. and a Charpy impact strength, ≧3 kJ/m2 at −20° C. using notched test specimens, and the &bgr;-nucleated propylene block copolymers are polymers having an IR&tgr; of the propylene homopolymer block of ≧0.98, a tensile modulus ≧1100 Mpa at +23° C. and a Charpy impact strength of ≧6 kJ/m2 at −20° C. using notched test specimens.

Abstract: A highly uniform vinyl compound polymer-cross-copolymerized olefin/styrene/diene copolymer excellent in processability, mechanical properties, high temperature properties, compatibility and transparency, and its composition and a process for its production, are provided. This copolymer is a crossed polymer obtained by cross-copolymerizing an olefin/styrene/diene copolymer having a styrene content of from 0.03 mol % to 96 mol %, a diene content of from 0.0001 mol % to 3 mol % and the rest being an olefin, with an olefin/aromatic vinyl compound copolymer.

Abstract: Ion-exchange materials comprising a polymeric backbone and a plurality of pendent styrenic or fluoridated styrenic macromonomers covalently bonded thereto, wherein the plurality of pendent styrenic or fluorinated styrenic macromonomers comprise a uniform number of styrenic or fluoridated styrenic monomer repeat units, and wherein predominantly all of the styrenic or fluoridated styrenic monomer repeat units have at least one charged group. Processes for making such material, as well as products related thereto, are also disclosed. In a representative embodiment, the ion-exchange material is utilized as a proton-exchange membrane (PEM) for use in a PEM fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an emulsion polymerization process that comprises: (1) preparing an aqueous polymerization medium which is comprised of (a) at least one monomer, (b) a polymerization control agent, and an emulsifier, wherein the emulsifier is prepared in-situ within the aqueous polymerization medium; and (2) initiating polymerization of said monomer within the aqueous polymerization medium.