Abstract: Film-forming, functionalized polymers having 1,2-dicarboxylic acid monoester groups have at least two polymer units, one of which is acid-labile and hydrolysis-stable and the other is thermally stable. These polymers are used in particular in photoresists.

Abstract: Homopolymers or copolymers of acrylates, homopolymers or copolymers of norbornenes, and copolymers of acrylates with norbornenes, may be prepared by contacting acrylate and/or norbornene monomer reactant under polymerization conditions and in the presence of a solvent with a catalyst system consisting essentially of a Pd(II) dimer component having the formula: [(L)Pd(R)(X)]2, where L is a monodentate phosphorus or nitrogen ligand, X is an anionic group, and R is an alkyl or aryl group.

Abstract: Process for the synthesis of block polymers, homopolymers and copolymers of narrow polydispersity having formula (1) by contacting selected vinyl monomer(s), vinyl-terminated compound(s) and free radicals in which effective control of production of polymer is achieved by controlling the mole ratio of vinyl monomer(s), vinyl-terminated compound(s) and free radicals relative to one another; and polymers produced thereby

Abstract: Rubber articles are coated with a powder-free copolymer coating to provide improved mold release characteristics, improved donning characteristics, and improved tactile feel. The copolymer is formed by the polymerization of a low surface energy monomer, an alkyl acrylate, a hard monomer and a urethane oligomer. The copolymers are preferably formed by a sequential polymerization process.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel microgel-containing essentially organic solvent nail varnishes. The microgels are particularly acrylic microgels. The invention also relates to the use of these microgels for modifying the physical properties of an essentially organic solvent nail varnish composition, and/or the properties of the film obtained during the application of said composition.

Abstract: A process for the reduction of reactor fouling at radical initiated high pressure polymerisation of ethylene (co)polymers is described. The process is characterised in that an adhesion reducing silicon containing compound is added to the polymerisation reactor, preferably in an amount of 0.001-3% by weight, based on the amount of polymer produced. Preferably the silicon containing compound is hexadecyl trimethoxy silane.

Abstract: A convergent process for synthesizing dendritic polymers typically having an average of three or more generations of branching and a narrow polydispersity. Precursor segments with living ends are coupled via a coupling agent to form branched units, each unit having a single living end. Further reaction with the coupling agent results in formation of a dendritic structure. Reaction of the coupling agent is controlled, such as by slow addition to the reaction mixture over an extended time, to promote development of the dendritic structure. The coupling agent typically has at least two functional groups capable of reacting with the living ends in the reaction mixture. One of the groups is capable of reacting with a living end in an addition reaction such as a vinyl addition, ring opening, or group transfer reaction. Optionally, a monomer can be added with the coupling agent to form longer branches. The structures may be terminated with a suitable functional group or with a linear polymer chain.

Abstract: A Process for the selective preparation acrylate- or methacrylate-homo- or acrylate- or methacrylate-co-oligomers with a weight average molecular weight (Mw) from 1000 to 20000, a polydispersity≦3 and a conversion of the monomers to polymers greater than or equal to 70%, or for the selective preparation of polyvinylacetate and its hydrolysis product polyvinylalcohol with a weight average molecular weight (Mw) from 1000 to 25000, a polydispersity≦3 and a conversion of the monomers to polymers greater than or equal to 70%, is characterized in that a mixture of the corresponding monomers is irradiated in the presence of a specific photoinitiator or photoinitiator mixture at a temperature from −20 to 70° C. in an inert solvent or inert solvent mixture, with light of a wavelength from 305 to 450 nm, wherein the contents of monomers in the reaction mixture is up to 70%.

Abstract: Certain 2,6-pyridinecarboxaldehydebis(imine) and 2,6-diacylpyridinebis(imine) compounds are provided, which are particularly suitable for use as tridentate ligands in iron and cobalt olefin polymerization catalysts.

Abstract: The invention is a surfactant composition comprising about 20 weight % to about 76 weight % of a fatty alcohol ethoxylate having a degree of ethoxylation of at least 14, about 4 weight % to about 40 weight % alkylpolyglycoside, and about 20 weight % to about 60 weight % water, wherein said composition is a liquid at room temperature, free of gel or solid phase, lattices containing said surfactant composition and a process for making said lattices.

Abstract: Homopolymers or copolymers of acrylates, homopolymers or copolymers of norbornenes, and copolymers of acrylates with norbornenes, may be prepared by contacting acrylate and/or norbornene monomer reactant under polymerization conditions and in the presence of a solvent with a catalyst system consisting essentially of a Pd(II) dimer component having the formula:[(L)Pd(R)(X)].sub.2,where L is a monodentate phosphorus or nitrogen ligand, X is an anionic group, and R is an alkyl or aryl group.

Abstract: This dialkylmagnesium is represented by the formula R--(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2).sub.n --Mg--(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2).sub.n' --R', (E--O--E').sub.x, where R and R' each independently represent a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 hydrocarbon residue, branched or not, substituted or not, of the alkyl, cycloalkyl or aralkyl type; n and n', identical or substantially identical, represent an average number of --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 -- linkages such that the average number of carbon atoms in each of the two chains borne by Mg is greater than 20; E and E', identical or different, each represent an alkyl radical, linear or cyclical, branched or not; and 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.2, x being the average value of the number of moles of E--O--E' ether complexed to the dialkylmagnesium. In order to prepare a dialkylmagnesium of this type, ethylene is polymerized in an anhydrous, de-oxygenated hydrocarbonaceous solution by means of a catalyst Cp*.sub.2 MCl.sub.2 Li(OEt.sub.2).sub.

Abstract: Radiation-curable compositions based on radiation-curable, free-radically polymerizable compounds comprise .alpha.-olefins having more than 8 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst system for the production of ethylene co-polymers by co-polymerisation of ethylene with further polymerisable monomers in the presence of a peroxide catalyst. The catalyst system contains components (A) and (B), component (A) being at least one organo-aluminium compound of the general formula AlR.sub.3, in which R is an alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, aralkyl or cycloalkyl radical, and component (B) is at least one organic peroxide.

Abstract: A process for compressing ethylenically unsaturated monomers at a pressure of 200-5000 bar in the absence of a polymerization initiator comprises carrying out compression in the presence of a sterically hindered amine derivative.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for polymerizing ethylene, acyclic olefins, and/or selected cyclic olefins, and optionally selected olefinic esters or carboxylic acids, and other monomers. The polymerizations are catalyzed by selected transition metal compounds, and sometimes other co-catalysts. Since some of the polymerizations exhibit some characteristics of living polymerizations, block copolymers can be readily made. Many of the polymers produced are often novel, particularly in regard to their microstructure, which gives some of them unusual properties. Numerous novel catalysts are disclosed, as well as some novel processes for making them. The polymers made are useful as elastomers, molding resins, in adhesives, etc. Also described herein is the synthesis of linear .alpha.-olefins by the oligomerization of ethylene using as a catalyst system a combination a nickel compound having a selected .alpha.-diimine ligand and a selected Lewis or Bronsted acid, or by contacting selected .alpha.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed which comprises a copolymer of ethylene and alkyl acrylate having improved melt-point temperature and/or improved adhesiveness to polymeric substrates. A process for making these compositions is also disclosed. In addition, an ionomer made from the copolymer and a method for making the ionomer are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of branched thermoplastic resins comprising: heating a mixture of a free radical initiator, at least one first free radical reactive monomer, at least one free radical reactive branching agent compound, and at least one stable free radical agent, to produce a linear or unbranched polymer product with a free radical initator fragment at one end and a covalently bonded stable free radical agent at the other end of the polymerized chain of monomers; and irradiating the unbranched polymer product in the presence of a reactive compound selected from the group consisting of a free radical reactive monomer, a branching agent compound, and mixtures thereof to form a branched polymeric product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cation-modified linear copolymer which comprises, within the molecule thereof, 95 to 85 mole % of an ethylene structural unit, 0.1 to 10 mole % of an ester structural unit represented by general formula (II), 0.1 to 6 mole % of an acrylic or methacrylic acid structural unit and 1 to 12 mole % of an amide structural unit represented by general formula (IV). The copolymer has a weight-average molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000. When incorporated in thermoplastic resins, it shows good compatibility and results in good mechanical properties.

Abstract: Co-oligomers and copolymers having dispersant activity and usable as emulsifiers are based on esters of (meth)acrylic acid; where the co-oligomers and copolymers are comprised of the following components:(A) 60-95 wt. % of at least one (meth)acrylic acid ester of formula I ##STR1## where R represents hydrogen or methyl, andR.sub.1 represents a (possibly branched) alkyl group or a cycloalkyl group with 4-32 carbon atoms in the alkyl group; and(B) 5-40 wt. % of a (meth)acrylic acid ester of formula II ##STR2## where R' represents hydrogen or methyl,R.sub.2 represents an alkyl or aryl group with 1-50 carbon atoms, where R.sub.2 itself may be substituted with nitrogen or sulfur,n may be a number from 5 to 100, andm may be a number from 0 to 100;and, in the amount of 0-90 mol % of the monomer(s) of formula II, a hydroxyalkyl ester of (meth)acrylic acid, of formula III: ##STR3## where R" represents hydrogen or methyl, andR.sub.

Abstract: There are provided powder-free polymer coated rubber articles coated with a non-tacky acrylic based emulsion copolymer formed by polymerization of at least one low surface energy monomer, at least one alkyl acrylate and at least one hard monomer. The copolymers are preferably formed by sequential polymerization.

Abstract: This invention provides latex compositions prepared using, for example, both acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate (AAEM) and t-butylaminoethyl methacrylate (t-BAMA) which when applied to a pre-coated substrate, possess out-standing wet adhesion when compared to waterborne polymers containing either AAEM or t-butylaminoethyl methacrylate alone. The latex compositions of this invention continue to exhibit superior wet adhesion after storage at room temperature for one year. The latex compositions are thus particularly useful in coating compositions, especially coating bare or previously-coated metals, paper, plastics, wood, textiles, and in adhesives.

Abstract: High-solids and powder coatings are disclosed. The high-solids coatings comprise an acrylic resin; a melamine, silane, or polyisocyanate crosslinking agent; an organic solvent; and optionally, a pigment and a crosslinking catalyst. The acrylic resin comprises recurring units of an allylic alcohol or propoxylated allylic alcohol, a vinyl aromatic monomer, and one or more acrylate monomers. Powder coatings of the invention comprise an acrylic powder resin having a Tg within the range of about 40.degree. C. to about 80.degree. C. Coatings of the invention are economical and give exterior coatings, especially automotive coatings, with improved weatherability and an excellent balance of physical properties compared with commercial clearcoats.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of poly(meth) acrylate particles with a particle diameter of 1-15 .mu.m, where the monomers M are polymerized according to the method of batch polymerization, with 20-50 parts by weight of monomer M in a liquid medium LM, consisting of 55-100% by weight of mineral oil, and with the addition of 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of a polymer emulsifier E and 0.05-5 parts by weight of a radical initiator.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed which comprises a copolymer of ethylene and alkyl acrylate having improved melt-point temperature and/or improved adhesiveness to polymeric substrates. A process for making these compositions is also disclosed. In addition, an ionomer made from the copolymer and a method for making the ionomer are disclosed.

Abstract: Low-molecular-weight, hydroxy-functional acrylate resins are disclosed. The resins are copolymers derived from an allylic alcohol or a propoxylated allylic alcohol, an acrylate or methacrylate monomer, and optionally, one or more additional ethylenic monomers. The resins are uniquely prepared without a chain-transfer agent or reaction solvent, and are useful in many thermoset polymer applications, including thermoset polyesters, polyurethanes, crosslinked polymeric resins, melamines, alkyds, uralkyds, and epoxy thermosets.

Abstract: Disclosed are copolymers of ethylene and alkyl acrylate monomers and methods of making those copolymers. Said copolymers exhibit increased melt-point temperatures and decreased hardness over similar conventional copolymers.

Abstract: Low-molecular-weight, hydroxy-functional acrylate resins are disclosed. The resins are copolymers derived from an allylic alcohol or a propoxylated allylic alcohol, an acrylate or methacrylate monomer, and optionally, one or more additional ethylenic monomers. The resins are uniquely prepared without a chain-transfer agent or reaction solvent, and are useful in many thermoset polymer applications, including thermoset polyesters, polyurethanes, crosslinked polymeric resins, melamines, alkyds, uralkyds, and epoxy thermosets.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed which comprises a copolymer of ethylene and alkyl acrylate having improved melt-point temperature and/or improved adhesiveness to polymeric substrates. A process for making these compositions is also disclosed. In addition, an ionomer made from the copolymer and a method for making the ionomer are disclosed.

Abstract: Low-molecular-weight, hydroxy-functional acrylate resins are disclosed. The resins are copolymers derived from an allylic alcohol or a propoxylated allylic alcohol, an acrylate or methacrylate monomer, and optionally, one or more additional ethylenic monomers. The resins are uniquely prepared without a chain-transfer agent or reaction solvent, and are useful in many thermoset polymer applications, including thermoset polyesters, polyurethanes, crosslinked polymeric resins, melamines, alkyds, uralkyds, and epoxy thermosets.

Abstract: A reactive polymeric modifier to improve toughness and/or flexibility of thermosetting resins where the polymer has a comb configuration including a saturated polymeric backbone having reactive groups at each end and at least one pendent chain which is miscible with the thermosetting resin while it is uncured; the backbone being a polymeric chain of carbon-carbon linkages free of olefinic unsaturation, having a glass transition temperature Tg in the range from -100.degree. C. to 25.degree. C.;the reactive groups being reactive with the thermosetting resin, being positioned on both ends of the backbone, and comprising, on average, at least 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of two-coat finishes, in which a pigmented aqueous basecoat is applied, the basecoat obtained is coated over with a clearcoat, and basecoat and clearcoat are baked together. The process according to the invention is distinguished in that the aqueous basecoat contains an emulsion polymer which has been prepared in the presence of a reaction product (A), the reaction product (A) being obtained by reacting(i) a butadiene homo- or copolymer,(ii) at least one fatty acid of a drying oil or at least one drying oil or a mixture of at least one fatty acid of a drying oil and at least one drying oil, and(iii) maleic anhydridein a mass ratio of (i):(ii):(iii)=1.0:0.1 to 0.6:0.1 to 0.6 and, after adding a basic aqueous solution, converting the reaction product to an aqueous dispersion.

Abstract: An improved process for the continuous copolymerization of ethylene with certain polar comohomers having reactive double bonds is disclosed wherein reactor fouling is significantly reduced or eliminated by use of surfactants.

Abstract: Low-molecular-weight, hydroxy-functional acrylate resins are disclosed. The resins are copolymers derived from an allylic alcohol or a propoxylated allylic alcohol, an acrylate or methacrylate monomer, and optionally, one or more additional ethylenic monomers. The resins are uniquely prepared without a chain-transfer agent or reaction solvent, and are useful in many thermoset polymer applications, including thermoset polyesters, polyurethanes, crosslinked polymeric resins, melamines, alkyds, uralkyds, and epoxy thermosets.

Abstract: Low-molecular-weight, hydroxy-functional acrylate resins are disclosed. The resins are copolymers derived from an allylic alcohol or a propoxylated allylic alcohol, an acrylate or methacrylate monomer, and optionally, one or more additional ethylenic monomers. The resins are uniquely prepared without a chain-transfer agent or reaction solvent, and are useful in many thermoset polymer applications, including thermoset polyesters, polyurethanes, crosslinked polymeric resins, melamines, alkyds, uralkyds, and epoxy thermosets.

Abstract: A free radical polymerization process for the preparation of a thermoplastic resin includes heating a mixture comprised of a free radical initiator, a stable free radical agent, and ethylene at a temperature of from about 40.degree. C. to about 500.degree. C. and at a pressure of from about 500 to about 5,000 bar to form a thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin has a molecular weight distribution of from about 1.0 to about 2.0.

Abstract: Disclosed is a free radical polymerization process for the preparation of a thermoplastic resin or resins comprising heating a mixture of a free radical initiator, a stable free radical agent, and at least one polymerizable monomer compound to form a thermoplastic resin or resins with a high monomer to polymer conversion; cooling said mixture; optionally isolating the thermoplastic resin or resins; and optionally washing and drying thermoplastic resin or resins.Related free radical processes are also disclosed for the preparation of mixtures and block copolymer thermoplastic resins. Resins prepared by the disclosed processes possesses a narrow polydispersity and a modality that is controlled by the selection of a free radical initiator and stable free radical agent addition step or steps.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer layers having nonlinear optical properties are produced by a process in which (A) diallyl esters of aromatic dicarboxylic acids or mixtures thereof with monoallyl monoalkyl esters of aromatic dicarboxylic acids are copolymerized with compounds having nonlinear optical activities and containing groups capable of polymerization or (B) prepolymers of diallyl esters of aromatic dicarboxylic acids or prepolymers of mixtures of diallyl esters of aromatic dicarboxylic acids and monoallyl monoalkyl esters of aromatic dicarboxylic acids are mixed with compounds having nonlinear optical activity and with or without polymerizable groups (=guest/host system), applied to a substrate and, after orientation in an electric field above 50.degree. C., crosslinked in a reaction which is initiated thermally or by free radicals.

Abstract: Structured polymer layers having nonlinear optical properties are produced by a process wherein either organic compounds containing ethylenically unsaturated groups are subjected to free radical copolymerization (A) with stilbene, azo or azomethine compounds containing ethylenically unsaturated groups and donor and acceptor groups, or organic compounds containing ethylenically unsaturated groups are subjected to free radical polymerization and are mixed (B) with stilbene, azo or azomethine compounds containing ethylenically unsaturated groups and donor and acceptor groups, the copolymers (A) or mixtures (B) thus obtained are exposed imagewise to high-energy radiation, the unexposed parts are removed and the structured polymer layers thus obtained are polarized in an electric field for orientation of the chromophoric structural units in the region of the glass transition temperature of the polymer and crosslinked in an applied electric field.

Abstract: A process for preparing copolymers of ethylene with acrylic esters by copolymerizing 100 parts by weight of ethylene with from 0.1 to 25.0 parts by weight of acrylic ester in a continuous tubular polymerization system at from 500 to 4000 bar and from 100.degree. to 400.degree. C. in the presence of free radical polymerization initiators, comprises controlling the temperature for the reaction mixture, comprising ethylene, the acrylic ester, the polymerization initiator and optionally a regulator, after entry into the reaction zone in such a way that the ratio dT/dt (temperature increase per unit time) is kept constant at a value within the range from 1.5.degree. to 2.5.degree. C. per second.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reaction injection molding process, to a composition utilized therein as well as to a kit of parts from which the composition can be obtained. In particular, the process includes the use of a composition which contains at least 70% of low molecular weight compounds which are capable of forming a crosslinked polymer. The first component of the composition is a compound with at least an ethylenic unsaturation and an isocyanate-reactive group. The second component of the composition contains an ethylenically unsaturated monomer capable of copolymerizing with the first component. The third component of the composition is a polyisocyanate. Polymerization of the first and second components takes places prior to the reaction between the first and third components.

Abstract: An amphipathic co-polymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 2,500 to 20,000 inclusive and comprising an addition polymer backbone and at least one C.sub.1-4 alkoxy polyethylene or polyethylene copropylene glycol acrylate or methacrylate stabilizer unit where the backbone comprises up to 30% by weight of non-functional structural units and at least 70% by weight in total of stabilizer units and functional units where the functional units are optionally substituted styrene-containing units, hydroxy group-containing units and carboxyl group containing units, such that the proportions of hydroxy groups to carboxyl groups to styrene groups to propylene-oxy or ethylene-oxy groups are respectively 1 : 0.10-26.1; 0.28-25.0; 0.80-66.1.

Abstract: A hydroxy-functional polymeric dispersant which is substantially free of acid groups, amine groups, and ethylenic unsaturation, the dispersant being especially adapted for dispersing pigments therein and being compatible with a variety of film-forming polymers, said dispersant being the free radical addition polymerization reaction product of a mixture of monomers consisting essentially of:(a) 15-30% by weight styrene; and(b) 15-30% by weight of at least one alkyl methacrylate monomer having 1 to 16 carbon atoms in the alkyl group; and(c) 20-60% by weight of at least one alkyl acrylate monomer having 1 to 16 carbon atoms in the alkyl group; and(d) 7-25% by weight of at least one hydroxy-functional ethylenically unsaturated monomer copolymerizable with monomers (a) (b) and (c);wherein said polymeric dispersant has a weight average molecular weight of 18,000 to 24,000, a number average molecular weight of 4,500 to 7,400, and a polydispersity of 2.9 to 4.2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a stretched molding which comprises stretching a straight chain random copolymer having:a repeating unit (A) represented by the formula:--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --and a repeating unit (B) represented by the formula: ##STR1## the proportion of said repeating unit (B) being 0.01 to 10 mol %; and an intrinsic viscosity [.eta.] as measured at 135.degree. C. in decalin of at least 5 dl/g.A stretched molding obtained by the present invention has mechanical properties equivalent or superior to those of the conventional super high molecular weight polyethylene stretched molding and is excellent in adhesive properties, dyeability, printability and so on, and thus is greatly useful as an industrial material required to have high strength and further good adhesive properties and printability.

Abstract: A bone cement is prepared by synthesizing a polymeric composition comprising poly(methyl methacrylate) cross-linked by copolymerization with tris(.omega.-methacryloyl) polyisobutylene. A powder is formed from the composition, and the final cement is prepared by mixing the powder with additional methyl methacrylate in the presence of a catalyst to form a dough-like material that is polymerized in situ to yield a cement useful for orthopedic purposes. Preferred embodiments employ tris(.omega.-methacryloyl) compounds within a particular molecular weight range, and which are present in the powder in particular amounts relative to the poly(methyl methacrylate) component therein.

Abstract: An oxygen-permeable polymer is prepared by polymerizing (1) at least one first monomer selected from the group consisting of alkenes of 6-10 carbon atoms having one double bond and one side chain methyl group, and (2) at least one second monomer selected from the group consisting of (fluoro)siloxanylalkyl mono(meth)acrylates, (fluoro)siloxanylalkyl di(meth)acrylates, fluoroalkyl (meth)acrylates, alkyl (meth)acrylates, .alpha.-alkyl- or .alpha.-fluoroalkyl-acrylic acids, alkyl .alpha.-alkylacrylates, alkyl .alpha.-fluoroalkylacrylates, fluoroalkylacrylates, fluoroalkyl .alpha.-fluoroalkylacrylates and fluoroalkyl .alpha.-ackylacrylates, the copolymerization proportions of the first monomer and the second monomer being such that the first monomer ranges from 5-80% by weight and the second monomer ranges from 20-95% by weight.

Abstract: A process for preparing a narrow molecular weight distribution syndiotactic polymer or copolymer of an unsaturated carboxylic acid ester (e.g., acrylate or methacryrate) by using, as an initiator, at least one organometallic compound of the group consisting of (a) trivalent organic Y compounds, and (b) trivalent organic lanthanide (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Ga, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu) compounds, or a combination thereof with an organoaluminum compound having the formula:AlR.sub.n X.sub.3-nwherein R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, X is a halogen element, and n is an integer of 1 to 3.

Abstract: The viscosity of copolymers of a) ethylene, b) C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 acrylates, C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 methacrylates, or vinyl esters of C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 carboxylic acids, and c) at least one alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid of 3-12 carbon atoms selected from the group consisting of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, and monoesters of dicarboxylic acids is increased, while maintaining gel content at a level of less than 3%, by treatment with a mixture of an organic peroxide and a chromium (III) salt.

Abstract: The viscosity of copolymers of a) ethylene and C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 acrylate or methacrylates or b) ethylene, vinyl esters of C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 carboxylic acids, and another comonomer selected from the group consisting of carbon monoxide, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or a glycidyl ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid is increased, while maintaining gel content at a level of less than 3%, by treatment with a free radical generating agent.

Abstract: Polymers of melt index between 1 and 20 dg/min, which comprise units (A) derived from ethylene, units (B) derived from an ethylenically unsaturated .alpha.,.beta.-dicarboxylic acid anhydride and, where appropriate, units (C) derived from an alkyl acrylate or methacrylate in which the alkyl group contains from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, characterized in that, per 100 moles, they comprise: from 83 to 99.7 moles of units (A), from 0.29 to 3 moles of units (B), from 0 to 13.6 moles of units (C) and, furthermore, from 0.01 to 0.4 moles of units (D) derived from at least one polyol polyacrylate or polymethacrylate.Their process of preparation consists of copolymerizing a mixture of ethylene, an anhydride of an ethylenically unsaturated .alpha.,.beta.-dicarboxylic acid, at least one polyol polyacrylate or polymethacrylate and, where appropriate, at least one alkyl acrylate or methacrylate, at a temperature of between 140.degree. and 280.degree. C.