Abstract: A copolymer useful as a demulsifier or water clarifier may be prepared by polymerizing at least one aromatic monomer having one or more polymerizable double bonds; at least one oleophilic monomer having one or more polymerizable double bonds; at least one ionizable monomer having a polymerizable double bond; and at least one hydrophilic monomer having one or more polymerizable double bonds, under polymerization conditions sufficient to prepare a copolymer. The copolymer may, in some embodiments, be prepared and used as a latex.

Abstract: Method of producing vinyllactam copolymers by free-radical polymerization of at least one water-soluble N-vinyllactam and at least one hydrophobic comonomer in an organic solvent in the presence of an initiator under reflux conditions, where the condensate formed in the reflux is returned to the polymerization mixture from below.

Abstract: Method of producing vinyllactam copolymers by free-radical polymerization of at least one water-soluble N-vinyllactam and at least one hydrophobic comonomer in an organic solvent in the presence of an initiator under reflux conditions, where N-vinyllactam is added to the reflux.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric resin blends containing polyelectrolyte resins blended into a polymer or copolymer matrix. Specifically, the polyelectrolyte resins are (co)polymers without hydrolyzable groups. The matrix polymer is a tough, and highly chemical-resistant (co)polymer, preferably a fluoropolymer. The polymeric resin blend is useful for forming films, and especially films useful for MEAs for use in fuel cells.

Abstract: Biocompatible copolymers are manufactured to include a zwitterionic monomer and an alkoxy acrylate monomer. The alkoxy acrylate monomer can be a 2-methoxyethyl methacrylate (MOEMA) or a 2-methoxyethyl methacrylate (EOEMA). Alternatively, the alkoxy acrylate can be 2-methoxyethyl acrylate (MOEA) or 2-ethoxyethyl acrylate (EOEA). The alkoxy acrylate monomers advantageously give the zwitterionic copolymers greater ductility, strength, and toughness while maintaining a desired amount of hydrophilicity. The improved toughness allows the zwitterionic copolymers to be processed without cross-linking, which improves the elongation properties of the zwitterionic copolymer, and reduces the risk of cracking during use.

Abstract: The copolymers include a hydrophobic monomer and an acryloyl or methacryloyl ester of a propylene glycol monomethyl ether, also referred to as 1-methyl-2-methoxyethyl acrylate (“MMOEA”). The combination of the hydrophobic monomer and the MMOEA monomer advantageously provides desired mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and drug permeability in the copolymers. The copolymers can advantageously be used on medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition useful for coating the surface of paper wherein the coating composition is an aqueous solution comprising less than 40 wt % water and consisting essentially of a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer that is at least about 95% hydrolyzed, and a process for preparing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyvinyl alcohols and polyvinyl acetals which contain silane and can be obtained by means of a) radical polymerization of at least one vinyl ester of unbranched or branched alkyl carboxylic acids comprising between 1 and 18 C atoms, in the presence of aldehydes containing silane or the hemiacetals or full acetals thereof, b) saponification of the vinyl ester polymers obtained thereby, and optionally c) acetalation of the partially saponified or fully saponified vinyl ester polymers.

Abstract: A recording liquid capable of giving a printed matter which is high in printing density, is suppressed in blur, has high printing quality, and has good fastness of a recorded matter including light fastness, water fastness and the like and having a low viscosity, good discharge properties and excellent storage stability. The invention is concerned with a polyvinyl alcohol based block copolymer represented by the following general formula (1), a pigment dispersion aqueous liquid containing this polyvinyl alcohol based block copolymer and a pigment in an aqueous medium, and a recording liquid containing this pigment dispersion aqueous liquid. wherein A, B, X1, X2, X3, X4, m1, and m2 have the same meanings as defined in the specification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new polyvinyl polymers, to initiator systems for preparing them, to a process for preparing the polymers, and also to their use as an adhesive component, emulsifier, detergent, lubricant, coating component, for electrically insulating magnetic wires, for producing laminated glass sheets, as an adhesive primer, for textile coatings, as an additive for motor fuels, engine oils, concrete, and in papermaking, for producing water-soluble films and for preparing biodegradable and water-soluble polymers.

Abstract: A food spoilage sensor of the general formula wherein M is a transition metal ion; D1, D2, D3 and D4 can be the same or different and can be N or P; R1 and R2, R3 and R4, R5 and R6, and R7 and R8 can be the same or different and from, taken together with the adjacent carbon atoms to which they are bonded and joined together, an aromatic or a cyclic group with at least one of the aromatic or cyclic groups possessing one or more polymerizable moieties. The complex selectively binds biogenic amines which are released by food spoilage microorganisms and undergo a detectable color change upon exposure thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer synthesized from 0.5 to 30% by weight of vinyl acetate (a), from 0.1 to 10% by weight of monomer containing at least one acid or acid anhydride group (b), from 5 to 70% by weight of at least one monomer other than (a) and (b), having a solubility of more than 5 g/l water (21° C., 1 bar) and a glass transition temperature of less than 15° C. (c), from 0 to 20% by weight of a vinylaromatic monomer having a solubility of less than 5 g/l water (d), from 0 to 90% by weight of at least one C1 to C20 alkyl (meth)acrylate (e) other than (a) to (d), and from 0 to 40% by weight of at least one further monomer (f) other than (a) to (e).

Abstract: A polymer includes repetitive units derived from a monomer compound according to formula (I): wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or an ethyl group, A, which is identical or different, is a group comprising an ester group of formula -A1-C(O)—O-A2-, or an amide group of formula -A1-C(O)—NR10-A2-, wherein: R10, which is identical or different, is hydrogen or an alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or aminoalkyl C1-C6 linear or branched group, A1, which is identical or different is a covalent bond or a group of formula —(CH2)p1— wherein p1 is an integer of from 1 to 6, A2, which is identical or different, is a linear or branched hydrocarbon group comprising optionally N, O, or S heteroatoms or heterogroups, optionally substituted, optionally forming or comprising a cycle, R1, R2, R3, R5 and R6, which are identical or different, are hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or aminoalkyl C1-C6 linear or branched groups, or, if inside the brackets, form a heterocycle with group A2, m is an integer of from 1 to 10, n is an inte

Abstract: This invention provides methods of using ion-detecting microspheres containing an ionphore and a chromoionphore in clinical laboratory instrumentation such as flow cytometry for sample analysis. In one embodiment, the microspheres are contacted with a flowing stream of a sample under conditions that allow the ion-selective ionophores to complex with the ions in the sample, and to cause deprotonation of the chromoionophore. The complexes are then exposed to an excitation wavelength light source suitable for exciting the deprotonated chromoionophore to emit a fluorescence signal pattern. Detection of the fluorescence signal pattern emitted by the deprotonated chromoionophore in microspheres containing the complexes allows for determination of the presence of the target ions in the sample. In one embodiment, lead ion-detecting microspheres are provided that can detect nanomolar levels of lead ions with response times on the order of minutes.

Abstract: Use of a polymer as a levelling agent or anti-cratering agent, said polymer comprising at least one fluorinated unit represented by formula 1, (Formula 1) wherein R?1 is a moiety represented by Cn?F2n+1?-(CH2?)m?-, ?Cn?F2n?-(CH2?)m?-, Cn?F2n+1?-(CII2?)m?-(OCII2?CIIR?5)p?-, ?Cn?F2n?-(CH2?m?-(OCH2?CHR?5)p?? Cn?F2n+1?-(CII2?)m?-X-, ACn?F2n?-(CII2?)m?-X-?Cn?F2n?-(CH2?)m?-(OCH2?CHR?5)p?-X or Cn?F2n+1?-(CII2?)m?-(OCII2?CIIR?5)p?-X-; wherein A=H, Cl, Br, I, a C1–12? alkyl or a OC1–12 ?alkyl, wherein 4?n?20,0?m˜?4 and 0?p?20, wherein X is a spacer moiety selected from the group consisting of esters, amides, sulphoamides, mercapto groups, poltyurethane groups and alkyl groups, wherein R?2, is H, a metal moiety, an (alkyl)ammonium moiety or an alkyl group, Cn?F2n+1?-(CII2?)m?-, ACn?F2n?-(CII2?)m?-, Cn?F2n+1?-(CII2?)m?-(OCII2?CIIR?5)p?-, ?Cn?F2n?-(CH2?)m?-(OCH2?CHR?5)p?? Cn?F2n+1?-(CH2?)m?-X-, ?Cn?F2n?-(CH2?)m?-X-, ACn?F2n?-(CH2?)m?-(OCH2?CHR?5)p?-X or Cn?F2n+1?-(CH2?)m?-(OCH2?CHR?5)p?-X-; wherein A=H, Cl, Br, I, C1–12?

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsion type modifier for improving properties of the pressure-sensitive emulsion acrylic adhesives. The emulsion type modifier comprises: (a) 15 to 35 parts per hundred of monomers of a diester of a dicarboxylic acid; (b) 15 to 35 parts per hundred of monomers of vinyl esters; (c) 35 to 65 parts per hundred of monomers of alkyl acrylates; based on the total weight of (a)+(b)+(c), and (d) 0.1 to 2.0 parts per hundred of an acetoacetoxy functional monomer; (e) 0.1 to 2.0 parts per hundred of a nonionic surfactant; and (f) 0.4 to 3.0 parts per hundred of an anionic surfactant. By adding the emulsion type modifier of the present invention, the steel adhesion, polyethylene (PE) adhesion, the loop tack and the holding power of the pressure-sensitive emulsion acrylic adhesives can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates compositions containing acetoacetylated polyvinyl polymers obtained from polyvinyl polymers, such as polyvinyl butyrals. These coating compositions are especially suitable for use as wash primers in automotive OEM and refinish coating applications.

Abstract: Generally speaking, the present invention is a water-soluble copolymer film comprising a hydrolyzed copolymer of vinyl acetate and a second monomer, the resultant polyvinyl alcohol copolymer having a degree of hydrolysis, expressed as a percentage of vinyl acetate units converted to vinyl alcohol units, of from about 90% to 100%. The second monomer is preferably selected from the group of monomers having carboxylate functionality or sulfonate functionality. The resulting water-soluble copolymer film is disclosed for use in making pouches to contain a unit dose of liquid detergent, such as a liquid laundry detergent. However, it is an aspect of the copolymer film that film solubility is not significantly affected adversely by the detergent. Such film produces pouches having a greater storage shelf-life over prior art water-soluble film.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of ethylene copolymers, and their use as additives to mineral oil and mineral oil distillates. The invention relates to a process for the preparation of terpolymers of ethylene and at least 2 further olefinically unsaturated compounds by polymerization in a tubular reactor fitted with at least one side branch, wherein the fresh monomer components, which are introduced into the tubular reactor via the reactor inlet (the primary stream) or via the side branch or side branches (secondary stream or secondary streams), in each of the streams contain ethylene and at most one further olefinically unsaturated compound.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer materials are provided including absorbent polymers having a fast vortex time, desirably about 10 seconds or less, and a stiffness index of at least about 0.7, as determined by test procedures described herein. The absorbent polymers can be modified to obtain a faster vortex time by a method including providing an absorbent polymer having a first vortex time, absorbing water with the absorbent polymer, freeze-drying the swollen absorbent polymer to remove at least a portion of the absorbed water, and obtaining a modified absorbent polymer having a second vortex time. The ratio of the first vortex time to the second vortex time is at least about 5, and desirably the modified absorbent polymer has a stiffness index of at least about 0.7.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing solid polyvinyl ester resins using a bulk or solution polymerization process in the presence of a chain transfer agent, wherein one or more vinyl esters of unbranched or branched alkyl carboxylic acids having 1 to 15 carbon atoms are polymerized in the presence of a compound selected from the group consisting of monovalent aliphatic alcohols having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, esters of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids and aliphatic alcohols each having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or aliphatic ketones having 3 to 6 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Vinyl pyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymers having a very low residual vinyl pyrrolidone monomer level, i.e. <100 ppm, preferably only 50 ppm, are made within an advantageously short production cycle, by post-treating an aqueous solution of the copolymer at an elevated temperature of about 120–150° C., preferably about 130° C., under pressure, in the presence of a high temperature initiator, for a period of about 1–4 hours, preferably 2 hours.

Abstract: Coatings for agricultural grade fertilizer particles and industrial grade ammonium nitrate are provided which when applied to particles form a protective film which acts as a barrier to inhibit or prevent hydrocarbon infiltration of the fertilizer particle pores and also to physically separate the fertilizer particles and hydrocarbon materials. In so doing, the coating greatly reduces the efficacy of the fertilizer particles as an oxidizing agent for use in incendiary devices, thereby deterring or preventing the use of agricultural grade fertilizers or industrial grade ammonium nitrate in creating weapons of terror.

Abstract: A polymeric food spoilage sensor comprises a polymer containing a polyazamacrocyclic transition metal complex. The complex selectively binds biogenic amines, such as cadaverine, putrescine and histamine, which are released by food spoilage microorganisms. The polymer undergoes a detectable color change upon exposure to biogenic amine, thus indicating that food spoilage has probably occurred. In one embodiment, the polymer is molecularly imprinted with the biogenic amine to impart selective binding affinity. The polymer is easily incorporated in common food containers and can be employed in fiber optic detection devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates compositions containing acetoacetylated polyvinyl polymers obtained from polyvinyl polymers, such as polyvinyl butyrals. These coating compositions are especially suitable for use as wash primers in automotive OEM and refinish coating applications.

Abstract: A process for producing a crosslinkable silyl group-containing polymer which is excellent in oil resistance, heat resistance, weatherability, low staining properties, and compression set characteristics, includes the steps of radically polymerizing a vinyl monomer in the presence of a thiocarbonylthio group-containing compound with a specific structure, and introducing crosslinkable silyl groups. Also provided is a curable composition which contains the polymer and which is easy to handle.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of water-soluble polymers of esters of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids and polyalkylene glycols by azeotropic esterification, in the presence of organic solvents which form an azeotrope with water, of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids with polyalkylene oxides which are capped at one end by end groups, to a degree of at least 85 wt %, followed by free-radical polymerization of the resulting esters optionally together with other ethylenically unsaturated monomers, in aqueous medium, wherein the organic solvents are removed by azeotropic distillation from the reaction mixture during polymerization and the water that is removed by distillation is recycled or the quantity of water removed by distillation from the reaction mixture is replaced by a feed of fresh water.

Abstract: Water-soluble polymers of esters made from acrylic acid and alkylpolyalkylene glycols, obtainable by azeotropic esterification of a mixture of acrylic acid and alkylpolyalkylene glycol in a molar ratio of from 2 to 3:1 in the presence of at least 85% by weight, based on the alkylpolyalkylene glycol, of an organic solvent which forms an azeotrope with water, followed by free-radical polymerization, in an aqueous medium, of the mixture obtained during the esterification, where the organic solvent is distilled off azeotropically from the reaction mixture during the polymerization, and the water removed by distillation is returned to the mixture or replaced by a feed of fresh water, and preparation and use of these polymers as an additive to cementitious systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and a saponified product thereof that can inhibit visible imperfections (particularly discoloration) at the time of molding by improving the process for recovering vinyl acetate. When the alcohol-based solvent to be blown in when recovering vinyl acetate is deoxidized so that its oxygen concentration becomes not more than 60 ppm, discoloration of a molded product of the above saponified product due to oxygen can be inhibited.

Abstract: Use of a polymer as a levelling agent or anti-cratering agent, said polymer comprising at least one fluorinated unit represented by formula 1, (Formula 1) wherein R?1 is a moiety represented by Cn?F2n+1?-(CH2?)m?-, Cn?F2n?-(CH2?)m?-, Cn?F2n+1?-(CII2?)m?-(OCII2?CIIR?5)p?-, Cn?F2n?-(CH2?m?-(OCH2?CHR?5)p′? Cn?F2n+1?-(CII2?)m?-X-, ACn?F2n?-(CII2?)m?-X- &lgr;Cn?F2n?-(CH2?)m?-(OCH2?CHR?5)p?-X or ACn?F2n+1?-(CII2?)m?-(OCII2?CIIR?5)p?-X-; wherein A=H, Cl, Br, I, a C1-12? alkyl or a OC1-12 ?alkyl, wherein 4≦n≦20,0≦m˜≦4 and 0≦p≦20, wherein X is a spacer moiety selected from the group consisting of esters, amides, sulphoamides, mercapto groups, poltyurethane groups and alkyl groups, wher

Abstract: A novel process is disclosed for the continuous process for making a vinyl acetate/acrylamido copolymer product, employing vinyl alcohol and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid or a salt of such acid (AMPS). The process generally includes feeding with agitation, vinyl acetate and ANTS as a comonomer, a polymerization initiator, and a solvent so as to produce the desired product.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising a functionalized C3 to C40 olefin polymer comprising at least 50 mol % of one or more C3 to C40 olefins, and where the olefin polymer, prior to functionalization, has:

Abstract: A process for producing a crosslinkable silyl group-containing polymer which is excellent in oil resistance, heat resistance, weatherability, low staining properties, and compression set characteristics, includes the steps of radically polymerizing a vinyl monomer in the presence of a thiocarbonylthio group-containing compound with a specific structure, and introducing crosslinkable silyl groups. Also provided is a curable composition which contains the polymer and which is easy to handle.

Abstract: What is described herein is an excipient for a pharmaceutical tablet which is a proliferous copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate, to provide the tablet with rapid dissolution and disintegration properties, and, also reduced hygroscopicity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the aqueous preparation of a polymer. Said preparation contains a copolymer consisting of a) 30 to 79.5 wt. % N-vinylpyrrolidone, b) 20 to 69.5 wt. % vinylacetate, c) 0.5 to 25 wt % of a monovinyl ester of a C4 to C20 monocarboxylic acid and d) 0 to 40 wt. % of an additional, copolymerisable, ethylenically unsaturated compound.

Abstract: A method has been described of preparing monodisperse polymer particles by free radical polymerization or copolymerization of hydrophobic monomers in a water-based system in the presence of cyclodextrin, characterized in that said free radical polymerization is performed with semi-continuous addition of monomer, wherein said monomer is absent before initiating polymerization, and in that a total solid contents of less than 30% by weight is present in said water-based system, in order to provide monodisperse polymer particles which are very suitable for use in many applications as e.g. in inks or toners, in photonic crystal films, in thermal printing plates for computer-to-plate or computer-to-press applications, in inkjet media, in displays, in photographic films, or as a spacing agent.

Abstract: Generally speaking, the present invention is a water-soluble copolymer film comprising a hydrolyzed copolymer of vinyl acetate and a second monomer, the resultant polyvinyl alcohol copolymer having a degree of hydrolysis, expressed as a percentage of vinyl acetate units converted to vinyl alcohol units, of from about 90% to 100%. The second monomer is preferably selected from the group of monomers having carboxylate functionality or sulfonate functionality. The resulting water-soluble copolymer film is disclosed for use in making pouches to contain a unit dose of liquid detergent, such as a liquid laundry detergent. However, it is an aspect of the copolymer film that film solubility is not significantly affected adversely by the detergent. Such film produces pouches having a greater storage shelf-life over prior art water-soluble film.

Abstract: Further improvements have been made in processes for controlled polymerization of free radically (co)polymerizable monomers mediated by a transition metal complex participating in a redox reaction which involves transfer of a radically transferable atom or group to and from an initiator or dormant polymer and the growing active polymer chain ends. Two improvements involve the choice of counterion in the transition metal complex. In one improvement the transition metal is held in close conjunction with a solid support through interaction with a counterion directly attached to the support. This cognition also allows for improvements in catalyst utilization including catalyst recovery and recycle. In another improvement, particularly suitable for controlled polymerization of certain monomers with an expanded range of transition metals, the function of counterion and ligand in the development of the transition metal based catalyst is superseded by use of salt containing a soluble organic counterion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing polymers, which consists in contacting: an ethylenically unsaturated monomer; a soure of free radicals; and a halogenated xanthate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of terpolymers of ethylene and at least 2 further olefinically unsaturated compounds by polymerization in a tubular reactor fitted with at least one side branch, wherein the fresh monomer components, which are introduced into the tubular reactor via the reactor inlet (the primary stream) or via the side branch or side branches (secondary stream or secondary streams), in each of the streams contain ethylene and at most one further olefinically unsaturated compound.

Abstract: A complex of transition metal Ti, Fe, Co, Ni, Cr, Mn, Ta, Rh, Y, Sc, Ru, Pd, Zr, Hf, V or Nb and a mono-, bi-, tri-, or tetra-dentate ligand, wherein at least one of the donor atoms of the ligand is a nitrogen atom N with a 5-membered heterocyclic substituent joined to the N by a carbon atom. The complex is preferably formula (I) wherein R5—N-G-X1 is a bi-, tri.

Abstract: Novel cross linked polymer films prepared from poly4-[(4-cardanylazo]benzoic acid and poly4-[(4-acryloylcardanylazo]benzoic acid are disclosed. The invention also relates to novel monomers 4-[(4-cardanylazo] benzoic acid and 4-[(4-acryloylcardanylazo] benzoic acid and polymers thereof as well processes for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: A negative-chargeability control resin containing a specific vinyl copolymer imparts stable chargeability to toner. The vinyl copolymer is obtainable by copolymerizing a monomer composition which contains at least i) a vinyl monomer (A) as exemplified by N-acryloylmorpholine, N-isopropylacrylamide, N-methylmethacrylamide, N-butoxymethylacrylamide or N-t-butylacrylamide, or a vinyl monomer (B) as exemplified by vinyl butyrate, vinyl 2-ethylhexanoate, vinyl benzoate, vinyl monochloroacetate pivarate, and ii) a vinyl monomer (C) having as a functional group a carboxyl group or a carboxyl group made into salt structure.

Abstract: A free radical polymerization process suitable for synthesizingpolymers is disclosed. The process utilizes novel sulfur based chain transfer agents and is widely compatible over a range of monomers and reaction conditions. Novel polymers having low pollydispersity and predictable specific polymer architecture and molecular weight are produced by the process. The polymers produced by the process are suitable for use as binders in automotive OEM and refinish coatings.

Abstract: The invention related to a hydrogel forming aqueous composition of water soluble polymers having a sufficiently high coherency that it substantially not is dispersed when being injected into an aqueous environment of a body site such as the capsular bag of the eye to undergo a photoinitiated crosslinking reaction. The water soluble polymers either can be a water-soluble polymer bearing free acrylic, or other vinylic groups capable of facile free radical reaction with a polymeric water-soluble photoinitiator also present in the composition, or a water-soluble polymer bearing both free acrylic, or other vinylic groups capable of facile free radical reaction and photoinitiator, wherein both polymers are capable of being crosslinked when irradiated with light of wavelengths greater than about 305 nm to form the hydrogel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for crosslinking copolymers of acrylic esters by converting some of the ester groups to ester or amide groups which contain unsaturation, and then sulfur or peroxide curing the resulting polymers. The resulting crosslinked polymers often have excellent vulcanizate properties, and are useful especially in elastomeric form as seals and gasket.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of polymerizable compounds, apparatus for this purpose and use of this apparatus.

Abstract: Water-soluble polymers having a water-soluble backbone and side units having in water a lower critical solution temperature, LCST, the polymers being obtainable by free-radical precipitation polymerization of water-soluble monomers and of macromonomers comprising a unit with an LCST whose heat-induced demixing temperature in aqueous solution is from 5 to 40° C. for a concentration by mass in water of 1% of the said unit. Also described is a process for preparing these polymers by free-radical precipitation polymerization, and aqueous compositions containing these polymers and the use of these polymers and compositions, especially in cosmetics, for the cleansing and/or making up and/or care and/or antisun protection of keratin materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorine-containing copolymer.

Abstract: A high molecular weight water soluble acrylamide based polymer having improved flocculating and dewatering properties is provided. The polymer is prepared by a process in which a small quantity of a chain branching agent is added to the polymerization reaction mixture continuously or stepwise while the monomers are polymerized. The polymer is useful in solid/liquid separations such as flocculants and coagulants in wastewater treatment applications, and as thickening agents.