Abstract: A process for preparing polyvinyl-alcohol-stabilized polymers based on vinyl ester, ethylene, and optionally other comonomers, in the form of aqueous polymer dispersions or water-redispersible polymer powders, by means of free radical initiated continuous emulsion polymerization and optionally drying the resultant polymer dispersion, comprising carrying out the emulsion polymerization in minimally two pressurized reactors arranged in series at a temperature of from 40° C. to 100° C. and at a pressure of from 5 to 100 bar, to a residual monomer content less than 3% by weight, and continuing the polymerization in minimally one unpressurized reactor at a temperature of from 20° C. to 60° C. and at a pressure of less than 1.0 bar, wherein the polymerization is initiated using a redox system made from an oxidizing component and a reducing component, at least a portion of the reducing component introduced within the first pressurized reactor.

Abstract: A production process for a vinyl-based polymer is provided. The production process comprises a step for polymerizing a vinyl-based monomer by a radical reaction within an aqueous medium in a polymerization vessel, and a step for supplying a reaction inhibitor with a melting point of no more than 40° C. from a reaction inhibitor supply tank to the polymerization vessel via a reaction inhibitor supply pipe. The reaction inhibitor supply tank and the reaction inhibitor supply pipe are heated, and the reaction inhibitor is added to the polymerization vessel in a liquid state with a viscosity of no more than 200 mPa·s. The reaction inhibitor can be added to the polymerization mixture without the use of an organic solvent even at low temperatures, and problems such as the solidification of the reaction inhibitor inside the supply tank or piping, and subsequent blocking of the piping do not occur.

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

Abstract: What is described herein is a pharmaceutical excipient which is a proliferous copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate, having advantageous dissolution and disintegration properties.

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.

Abstract: A production process for a vinyl-based polymer is provided. The production process comprises a step for polymerizing a vinyl-based monomer by a radical reaction within an aqueous medium in a polymerization vessel, and a step for supplying a reaction inhibitor with a melting point of no more than 40° C. from a reaction inhibitor supply tank to the polymerization vessel via a reaction inhibitor supply pipe. The reaction inhibitor supply tank and the reaction inhibitor supply pipe are heated, and the reaction inhibitor is added to the polymerization vessel in a liquid state with a viscosity of no more than 200 mPa·s. The reaction inhibitor can be added to the polymerization mixture without the use of an organic solvent even at low temperatures, and problems such as the solidification of the reaction inhibitor inside the supply tank or piping, and subsequent blocking of the piping do not occur.

Abstract: What is described herein is a pharmaceutical excipient which is a proliferous copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate, having advantageous dissolution and disintegration properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single stage free radical precipitation polymerization process for producing a copolymer involving admixing a solvent, a free-radical-forming agent, (meth)acrylic acid, and at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene, vinyl acetate, methylmethacrylate, butyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, acrylonitrile, and isopropylacrylamide; initiating a free-radical precipitation polymerization to form a plurality of polymer radicals; precipitating a polymer from said polymer radicals; maintaining the admixture of reactants at a temperature above the lower critical solution temperature of said admixture; and controlling the temperature of said admixture to control the rate of propagation of the polymer. The process is useful for producing random copolymers of vinyl acetate or styrene with more than 4 percent and up to greater than 20 percent by weight of (meth)acrylic acid.

Abstract: Processes for the controlled radical polymerization of acrylic and related polymers to produce improved low VOC coating materials, or powder coating compositions, the novel polymers so produced, the catalyst systems employed, processes for application of the improved coatings, coatings so produced and objects coated on at least one surface with the novel coatings are disclosed.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing ethylene (co)polymer nanocomposites in a high pressure polymerization reactor. The process by which nanocomposites having organically modified clays incorporated and intimately dispersed therein involves polymerizing ethylene and one or more optional comonomers under high pressure polymerization conditions in the presence of an organic peroxide initiator and organically modified clay.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of vinylic and dicarboxylic monomers such as vinyl acetate or vinyl alcohol and maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride, or combinations thereof. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers, which are then hydrolyzed to replace ester groups with alcohol groups. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seed to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly, to seeds, to fertilizer, or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyvinyl alcohol by means of catalytic transesterification of an alcoholic polyvinyl ester solution and subsequent workup by means of isolation of the polyvinyl alcohol formed includes adding, prior to the transesterification of the polyvinyl ester solution, the acetic ester of the alcohol used as solvent, in an amount of from 5 to 70% by weight, based on the overall amount of alcoholic solvent and its acetic ester, and recycling the liquid phase obtained after isolation of the polyvinyl alcohol product to a further polyvinyl ester transesterification.

Abstract: Provided are flow-and-leveling agents for powder coatings which provide the coated surfaces with a flow-and-leveling property by blending into powder coatings taking a serious view of finishing and which improves coating defects such as ruptures and craters to contribute to a rise in the appearance in powder coating. The above flow-and-leveling agents are (meth)acrylic acid ester base copolymers containing a trimethylsilyl group in a proportion of 2 to 65% by weight and having a number average molecular weight of 1000 to 60000.

Abstract: A method for producing a saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVOH) comprises: supplying into a second reactor a solution containing the copolymer that is saponified partially with an alkali catalyst under a predetermined pressure in a first reactor; and saponifying further the partially-saponified copolymer in the second reactor under a pressure higher than the predetermined pressure in the first reactor. According to the method, an EVOH having a high saponification degree can be produced efficiently with a small amount of alkali catalyst.

Abstract: A polymerization process comprises (1) contacting at least one polymerizable monomer in the presence of a metal catalyst in a reactor; (2) effectuating polymerization of the monomer; (3) adding a substituted olefin having at least one polar group to the reactor. The substituted olefin is different from the monomer. Vinyl-terminated macromers preferably are generated which can be homopolymerized or copolymerized with the monomer by the metal catalyst. A polymer of an olefin monomer and a substituted olefin comprising a backbone and a plurality of side chains. The polymer is characterized by an Rv of greater than about 0.85, where Rv is a measure of the relative number of vinyl groups in the polymer. In some polymers, the vinyl endgroups are transformed to other useful end groups.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of vinylic and dicarboxylic monomers such as vinyl acetate or vinyl alcohol and maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride, or combinations thereof. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers, which are then hydrolyzed to replace ester groups with alcohol groups. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seed to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly, to seeds, to fertilizer, or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of vinylic and dicarboxylic monomers such as vinyl acetate or vinyl alcohol and maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride, or combinations thereof. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers, which are then hydrolyzed to replace ester groups with alcohol groups. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seed to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly, to seeds, to fertilizer, or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing water-soluble or water-swellable polymer products with low levels of residual monomers using acrylic acid and/or acrylic acid derivatives, which process is characterized by adding a nitrogen compound to the monomer solution to be polymerized and subsequent heating of the polymer product at temperatures of from 120 to 240° C. The polymers produced accordingly are suitable for use as flocculants, dispersants and absorbents.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of vinylic and dicarboxylic monomers such as vinyl acetate or vinyl alcohol and maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride, or combinations thereof. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers, which are then hydrolyzed to replace ester groups with alcohol groups. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seed to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly, to seeds, to fertilizer, or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of vinylic and dicarboxylic monomers such as vinyl acetate or vinyl alcohol and maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride, or combinations thereof. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers, which are then hydrolyzed to replace ester groups with alcohol groups. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seed to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly, to seeds, to fertilizer, or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of vinylic and dicarboxylic monomers such as vinyl acetate or vinyl alcohol and maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride, or combinations thereof. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers, which are then hydrolyzed to replace ester groups with alcohol groups. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seed to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly, to seeds, to fertilizer, or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a reaction product (A), which comprises the following stage (i):

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 composition containing a non-flammable chlorofluoro-olefin copolymer having a crystallinity index less than about 10% and a weight-average molecular weight greater than about 1,000,000 daltons, wherein the copolymer has at least two comonomer units of the formula:

Abstract: A new class of “living” free radical initiators that are based on alkylperoxydiarylborane and its derivatives and that may be represented by the general formula.

Abstract: A method of increasing the tack of a pressure sensitive adhesive by exposing a polymeric pressure sensitive adhesive to an activating treatment, activatable articles containing such an adhesive and adhesive compositions resulting from such an activating treatment. The activatable, polymeric, pressure sensitive adhesive is preferably a water based adhesive prepared by free radical polymerization of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylate, or methacrylate monomers having from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms. The activating treatment is preferably corona charging or corona charging in combination with uv light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-soluble film which comprises a modified polyvinyl alcohol containing an N-vinylamide monomer unit in an amount of 1 to 10 mole percent, and a carboxyl group and a lactone group in a total amount of 0.020 to 4.0 mole percent in the molecule, and having a degree of polymerization of 300 to 3000, and a degree of hydrolysis of 75 to 99.5 mole percent. Further, the present invention provides a package obtained by packaging an acidic substance, a chlorine-containing compound, or the like using the water-soluble film.

Abstract: Use of neutralized or partially neutralized copolymers obtainable from A) from 50 to 99% by weight of monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid and B) from 1 to 50% by weight of at least one comonomer chosen from the groups a) to d) or also mixtures of different monomers from groups a) to d) a) monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid esters with a saturated C8- to C30-alcohol b) N-alkyl- or N,N-dialkyl-substituted carboxamides, the alkyl radicals independently of one another being aliphatic or cycloaliphatic alkyl radicals having at least 8 to 18 carbon atoms, c) vinyl esters of aliphatic C8- to C30-carboxylic acids, d) C8- to C18-alkyl vinyl ethers, for the preparation of hair cleansers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an ethylene-vinyl acetate that includes:

Abstract: A copolymer comprising monomers copolymerized in the following percentages by weight: (a) from about 40% to about 75% of a monomer of formula I: Rf—CH2CH2—OC(O)—C(R)═CH2  I (b) from about 15% to about 55% of a monomer of formula II: R2—OC(O)—C(R)═CH2  II (c) from 1.5% to about 5% of a monomer of the formula III: HO—CH2CH2—OC(O)—C(R)═CH2  III (d) from 1.5% to about 5% of a monomer of the formula IV: H—(OCH2CH2)m—O—C(O)—C(R)═CH2  IV (e) from 1% to about 3% of a monomer of the formula V: HO—CH2—NH—C(O)—C(R)═CH2  V (f) from 0% to about to about 9.

Abstract: The invention relates to a copolymer composition useful as wax crystal modifiers and flow improvers. The compositions are copolymers of a C6 to C250 straight-chain or branched dialkyl filmarate and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of carbon monoxide, C3 to C30 &agr;-olefin, ethylene, styrene, and vinyl acetate.

Abstract: Redispersible polymer powders are prepared by emulsion polymerization of ethylenical, unsaturated monomers in the presence of a protective colloidal stabilizer containing 20 to 95 weight percent of polymerized monomers containing sulfonic acid or sulfonate groups, 5 to 80 weight percent of polymerized monomers containing amide groups or hydroxylalkyl groups, and up to 5 weight percent of polymerized monomers which are hydrophobic, water-insoluble ethylenically unsaturated compounds. The redispersible polymers are suitable for use in construction materials and coatings, and exhibit higher water resistance than similar polymers stabilized with polyvinyl alcohol as a colloidal stabilizer.

Abstract: Copolymers of ethylene and alpha olefins that have been formed by a polymerization reaction in the presence of a single site catalyst, such as a metallocene, are used as a film or as a layer in multiple layer films, including molecularly oriented and irradiated heat shrinkable films. Novel blends of the copolymers with other polymeric materials are disclosed and used as a film or a layer in a film particularly in molecularly oriented and heat shrinkable films. Bags made from the multiple layer films are especially useful for shrink packaging primal cuts of meat. Processes for the formation of flexible films and packages made therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a sterile adhesive composition includes placing a mixture of a polymerizable adhesive monomer and a thickening agent in a container, sealing the container, and sterilizing the mixture and the container. The method provides superior viscosity for the monomer composition. An adhesive composition includes 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and at least one thickener. The sterile adhesive composition is particularly useful as a medical adhesive and can comprise 1,1-disubstituted ethylene monomers, such as &agr;-cyanoacrylates.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer is provided which suppresses the formation of scale and gelled product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) containing 5 mol% to 60 mol% of ethylene, by copolymerizing ethylene and vinyl acetate with a polymerization initiator, in which an aliphatic alcohol having not more than four carbon atoms is used as the polymerization solvent, the contents of acetaldehyde and a saturated acetic ester with respect to vinyl acetate are not more than 200 ppm, and 10 ppm to 1500 ppm, respectively, and polymerization is carried out at a temperature of 30° C. to 150° C. EVA obtained by the foregoing method may be saponified to obtain a saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVOH). According to the present invention, at least one of (i) improved melt-extrusion stability, (ii) improved melt-moldability, (iii) reduced discoloration, and (iv) reduced gelation is achieved.

Abstract: Oligomers of vinyl esters, preferably of vinyl acetate, are provided in which the molecules contain a single terminal sulfonate group, thereby making these products useful as surface-active agents. These oligomers can be converted by hydrolysis to sulfonate-terminated vinyl alcohol oligomer which is also a surface-active agent. The number average molecular weight of the vinyl ester oligomer is not over 17,000 and not over 7,500 for the vinyl alcohol oligomer. These products are made by polymerizing the vinyl ester in the presence of a bisulfite chain transfer agent in water, preferably with a cosolvent such as methanol. The vinyl ester is delay fed to the polymerization, molecular weight is controlled with the bisulfite, and the system is maintained in a virtual single phase with any organic phase present swollen with water or water and cosolvent.

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: Synthetic polymers having moieties capable of covalent or hydrogen bonding to cellulose and one or more amphiphilic moieties are disclosed. These polymers are capable of providing two distinct properties to paper products, such as tissues, which properties heretofore have been imparted through the use of at least two different molecules. The backbone of these synthetic polymers is based on modified vinyl polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamides and polyacrylic acids.

Abstract: A method of increasing the tack of a pressure sensitive adhesive by exposing a polymeric pressure sensitive adhesive to an activating treatment, activatable articles containing such an adhesive and adhesive compositions resulting from such an activating treatment. The activatable, polymeric, pressure sensitive adhesive is preferably a water based adhesive prepared by free radical polymerization of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylate, or methacrylate monomers having from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms. The activating treatment is preferably corona charging or corona charging in combination with uv light.

Abstract: Linear copolymers of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon monomers. The present invention provides linear copolymers and terpolymers of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon monomers, and particularly the invention provides a linear copolymers, of fluoromonomers, such as tetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, or vinylidene fluoride, with hydrocarbon monomers, such as vinyl acetate, acrylic acid ethyl acetate or tertiary butyl acrylate. The copolymers were synthesized by polymerization by a free radical mechanism in supercritical carbon dioxide and they are linear because of synthesis in carbon dioxide. The copolymer composition was controlled by the monomer feed concentration to have between 7 and 71 mol % TFE. Additionally, new and predominantly linear co- and terpolymers were prepared by hydrolysis and trans-esterification of the latter copolymers. Furthermore, neither surfactants nor dispersing agents are required to produce the linear copolymers, but may be used.

Abstract: Fluorocopolymers resulting from the polymerization of a polyfluoromonomer, of an aminoalcohol (meth)acrylate and of methacrylic acid in a distillable organic solvent, and aqueous compositions containing them.

Abstract: A film containing at least 5 wt % of an aromatic vinyl compound-&agr;-olefin random copolymer having an aromatic vinyl compound content of from 1 to less than 99.9% by molar fraction and having head-to-tail chain structures comprising at least two aromatic vinyl compound units.

Abstract: Dispersion powders with a reduced tendency to autoignition are obtained by adding antioxidants to dispersions before spray drying or to dispersion powders after spray drying.

Abstract: An acrylic fiber comprises an acrylic fiber polymer precursor having acrylonitrile in an amount from 90 to 98.0 wt. % of said fiber and a neutral vinyl monomer in an amount from greater than 0 to 7.0 wt. %, the fiber possessing hot-wet elongation less than 9.0% at 70° C.

Abstract: A process for producing a shaped product, which comprises polymerizing a mixture comprising a radical scavenger, a polymerization initiator and a radical polymerizable monomer to obtain a partially polymerized mixture having the conversion of the monomer into the polymer of from 5 to 90 wt %, filling the partially polymerized mixture in a predetermined cavity and then applying polymerization energy to complete polymerization.

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: An aqueous emulsion composition is provided that includes, as the dispersoid, a (co)polymer that contains at least one monomer unit selected from ethylenic unsaturated monomers and dienic monomers, and, as the dispersant, (A) a polyvinyl alcohol (co)polymer, and (B) a condensate of an alkali metal salt of an aromatic sulfonic acid with formaldehyde in a ratio, (A)/(B), of from 100/0.05 to 100/100 in terms of the solid content of the two. The composition is characterized by its fluidity such that the apparent viscosity of the composition is prevented from being lowered relative to the increase in the shear rate of the composition, and that the apparent viscosity of the composition is increased relative to the increase in the shear rate thereof. In addition, the composition has excellent high initial adhesiveness and viscosity-increasing ability.

Abstract: A method for separating poly(vinyl acetate) particles having various particle sizes, which have been prepared by suspension polymerization of vinyl acetate monomers, into respective microspheric poly(vinyl acetate) particles with uniform particle size distribution by the use of inorganic salt as a dispersing and antistatic agent, a method for preparing the microspheric embolic particles of a dual structure consisting of poly(vinyl acetate) core/poly(vinyl alcohol) shell by suspending the separated poly(vinyl acetate) particles into an aqueous alkali solution and subjecting the suspended particles to a heterogeneous surface saponification and the microspheric embolic particles prepared.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved vinyl acetate-based polymers which are formed by emulsion polymerizing vinyl acetate and other comonomers under conditions of free radical polymerization. The improvement resides in the stabilizer system, the stabilizer being a condensation product of a polyol having a weight average molecular weight of from 500 to 10,000 reacted with a diepoxide. An example is the reaction product of polyethylene glycol and the diglycidyl ether of Bisphenol A.