Abstract: A golf ball comprising a layer including a saturated polyurethane composition formed of a saturated prepolymer and a saturated curing agent, wherein the layer may be casted as an outer cover, formed as an intermediate layer, or both.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminating adhesive including a reaction product of at least one polymeric polyol (part A) and at least one NCO terminated polyurethane prepolymer (part B). The part A includes a reaction product of at least one alkylene diol; at least one dial containing a pendant aliphatic chain; and at least one dicarboxylic acid. The part B includes a reaction product of at least one polyether polyol; and at least one polyisocyanate. The adhesive exhibits an initial viscosity of less than about 25,000 mPa.s at about 25° C.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core or the cover comprises a thermoplastic or thermoset composition comprising a polyurea prepolymer formed from a reactant A comprising an isocyanate; and a reactant B comprising a polyether polyamine having a repeating branched oxyalkylene monomer unit, or a polymerized polyamine formed from a chiral diol or a chiral cyclic ether.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molded polyurethane/urea elastomers, and specifically to improved polyurethane/urea elastomers having high temperature stability to about 140–150° C. and low temperature flexibility at about ?35–(?40)° C., for use in dynamic applications. These elastomers are particularly useful for application in belts, specifically in automotive timing or synchronous belts, V-belts, multi V-ribbed or micro-ribbed belts, flat belting and the like. The polyurethane/urea elastomers of the present invention are prepared by reacting polyisocyanate prepolymers with symmetric primary diamine chain extenders, mixtures of symmetric primary diamine chain extenders and secondary diamine chain extenders, or mixtures of symmetric primary diamine chain extenders and non-oxidative polyols, which are all chosen to eliminate the need for catalysts via standard molding processes, and to improve phase separation.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the cover comprises a thermoplastic or thermoset composition comprising a polyurethane prepolymer or polyurea prepolymer formed from an isocyanate and a polyacrylate polyol or polyacrylate polyamine, respectively.

Abstract: A thermally curable hot-melt adhesive composition, comprising a polyurethane prepolymer having isocyanate groups, wherein at least 50% of the reactive isocyanate groups of the prepolymer are blocked, said prepolymer being the reaction product of (1) 20 to 40 wt % of at least one straight-chain amorphous polyester having a number average molecular mass Mn of 3000 to 6000 with (2) 40 to 60 wt % of at least one polyurethane elastomer, (3) 10 to 20 wt % of at least one polyester elastomer, (4) at least one diisocyanate, (5) at least one polyol as a chain extender, and (6) at least one blocking agent; and at least one isocyanate reactive component selected from the group consisting of polyalcohols, polyamines and hydroxy-functionalized epoxide resins; wherein the percentages are based on the total weight of polyester, polyurethane elastomer and polyester elastomer.

Abstract: Polyurethane powder coating compositions containing uretdione groups and curing at low temperatures are provided, along with processes for preparing such compositions, and their use as powder coatings, wherein the compositions generally contain: A) a uretdione-containing powder coating hardener derived from aliphatic, (cyclo)aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic polyisocyanates and hydroxyl-containing compounds, and having a melting point from 40 to 130° C., a free NCO content of less than 5% by weight, and a uretdione content of 6-18% by weight; B) a hydroxyl-containing polymer having a melting point from 40 to 130° C., and an OH number between 20 and 200 mg KOH/gram, and C) a catalyst of the formula [NR1R2R3R4]+[R5]?, in which R1-R4 simultaneously, or independently of one another, are alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl or alkoxyalkyl radicals, and each R1-R4 is aromatic, linear or branched, unbridged or bridged with other radicals, R1-R4.

Abstract: A breathable polyurethane having an upright moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of more than about 500 gms/m2/24 hr comprises: (a) poly(alkylene oxide) side-chain units in an amount comprising about 12 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of said polyurethane, wherein (i) alkylene oxide groups in said poly(alkylene oxide) side-chain units have from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and are unsubstituted, substituted, or both unsubstituted and substituted, (ii) at least about 50 wt. % of said alkylene oxide groups are ethylene oxide, and (iii) said amount of said side-chain units is (i) at least about 30 wt. % when the molecular weight of said side-chain units is less than about 600 grams/mole, (ii) at least about 15 wt. % when the molecular weight of said side-chain units is from about 600 to about 1,000 grams/mole, and at least about 12 wt. % when the molecular weight of said side-chain units is more than about 1,000 grams/mole, and (b) poly(ethylene oxide) main-chain units in an amount comprising less than about 25 wt.

Abstract: This invention provides high solid paint compositions comprising as the basic components a hydroxyl-containing compound having a weight-average molecular weight of not more than 1,000 and a hydroxyl value of 200-800 mgKOH/g, and a polyisocyanate compound, and a process for forming multi-layered coating film using any of said compositions.

Abstract: An MDI/polypropylene polyether prepolymer composition consisting essentially of at least 80 wt % perfect prepolymers and less than 2 wt % free MDI monomer suitable for use in polyurethane adhesive compositions optionally also comprising a curative for isocyanate groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid stable MDI prepolymers and curative systems which are suitable for room temperature casting and which yield high performance low-shrinkage urethane elastomers upon room-temperature curing, the prepolymer and curative components, the elastomers themselves, and separately packaged prepolymer component and its complementary curative component provided as a single unit or kit.

Abstract: A radiation curable powder coating composition, comprising I.) a binder comprising A) 60-90% by weight of at least one amorphous urethane acrylate; and B) 10-40% by weight of at least one crystalline urethane acrylate; wherein a Tg of a mixture of A) and B) is at least 35° C.; and II.) an auxiliary and an additive, excluding an UV initiator, crosslinks to yield a lightfast and weather-stable film.

Abstract: Dual cure coating composition comprising resin solids, said resin solids being composed of (a) 30 to 90 wt. % of at least one hydroxy-functional polyester urethane having olefinic double bonds, (b) 0 to 60 wt. % of at least one binder other than the polyester urethane (a) and/or at least one reactive diluent, and (c) 10 to 50 wt.

Abstract: This thermoplastic elastomer is present in a substantially solid state suitable for use as a binder for a propellant, explosive, and/or gas generant of a supplemental restraint system. The thermoplastic elastomer is formed from a composition including A blocks which are crystalline at temperatures below about 75° C. and B blocks which are amorphous at temperatures above about −20° C. The A blocks are derived from oxetane derivatives and/or tetrahydrofuran derivatives. The B blocks are derived from oxetanes, tetrahydrofuran, oxiranes, and derivatives thereof. The A and B blocks are end-capped with at least one diisocyanate and linked with at least one difunctional oligomer having two functional groups which are reactive with free and unreacted isocyanate moieties of the diisocyanate.

Abstract: Polyurethane coatings which are the reaction product of A) an aliphatic, isocyanate-containing prepolymer having an isocyanate content of 1-8 wt. % and a free monomeric diisocyanate content of less than 2 wt. %, and containing 0.1 to 1.5 moles of per 1000 g of prepolymer of aliphatically bound uretdione and oxadiazinetrione groups, and B) a polyol component B) comprising at least 50 equivalent % of a compound corresponding to the formula HO—X—Y—X—OH where Y represents methylene, ethylene, —C≡C—, cyclohexylene-1,4, -1,3, -1,2, or phenylene-1,4, -1,3, -1,2 and X represents methylene, —OCH2CH2— (the oxygen being bound to the Y), or cyclohexylene-1,4, -1,3, -1,2, and where the equivalent ratio of the free NCO groups to isocyanate-reactive groups is 0.90 to 1.5. The coatings are applied to flexible substrates such as textile or leather by the casting or knife coating process by means of reactive compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides NCO prepolymers comprising the reaction product of (1) an allophanate-modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate having an NCO group content of 12 to 32.5% by weight and comprising the reaction product of, (a) an aliphatic alcohol or an aromatic alcohol; and (b) diphenylmethane diisocyanate comprising: (i) from 10 to 60% by weight of 2,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, (ii) less than 6% by weight of 2,2′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, and (iii) the balance being 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, wherein the sum of the percentages by weight of (1)(b)(i), (1)(b)(ii), and (1)(b)(iii) total 100% by weight of (1)(b), and (2) a polyether polyol having a molecular weight of 134 to 10,000, an OH number of 420 to 14, and a functionality of at least 1.8. The NCO prepolymers of the present invention find use in preparing elastomeric coatings, adhesives, sealants, and the like.

Abstract: A moisture curable hot melt sealant composition that includes polyurethane prepolymer having at least one of isocyanate functional groups and silane functional groups, reactive plasticizer capable of reacting with at least one of the polyurethane prepolymer and itself, and thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A hydrophobic polyurethane elastomer is disclosed comprising an isocyanate terminated prepolymer having an isocyanate content ranging from 4 to 12 wt. % NCO comprising the reaction product of: i) an OH terminated homopolymer of butadiene having molecular weight ranging from 1000 to 4000 and an OH functionality of from 1.9 to 2.1; ii) an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diisocyanate; and a diol chain extender having a molecular weight ranging from 62 to 400.

Abstract: This invention provides a clear paint composition for motorcars which contains 10-80% by weight of polyester resin containing units derived from alicyclic polybasic acid and/or alicyclic polyhydric alcohol, 5-50% by weight of polyisocyanate compound and 0-50% by weight of acrylic resin; and which forms coating having Universal Hardness (HU) of not more than 500 N/mm2.

Abstract: This invention relates to macromolecule modifiers containing biologically active drugs/biomolecules, or precursors thereof, and fluoroligomers; compositions comprising the macromolecules containing the drugs and fluoroligomers in admixture with polymers, particularly biomedical polymers; articles made from the admixtures, particularly medical devices.

Abstract: A polyurethane having at least one anionic anchor group L, the anchor group L being covalently bonded to a polyether segment having at least one nitrogen atom in the polyurethane.

Abstract: Cmpositions for coatings having a dry content higher than 80%, preferably of about 85-90% by weight, based on polyisocyanates and PFPEs, completely crosslinkable also in a range of temperatures between 5° C. and 20° C., comprising the following components: Component 1): mixture comprising: 1.a) Partially fluorinated prepolymers, having free NCO groups, obtained by reaction of (per)fluoropolyethers (PFPEs) diols having number average molecular weight Mn in the range 800-1,300 with the cyclic trimer of the isophorondiisocyanate, 1.b) non cyclic isocyanic trimer of hexamethylendiisocyanate, Component 2): (per) fluoropolyether (PFPE) diol with Mn in the range 350-700, preferably 500-650, component 3): inert organic solvent in crosslinking conditions, complement to 100% by weight of the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic polyurethane for slash molding, excellent in moldability, capable of providing a skin material having a uniform thickness, and capable of allowing a minute laser processing or the like to be vehicleried out thereon. Also, the present invention discloses a skin material comprising the thermoplastic polyurethane. The thermoplastic polyurethane of the present invention is prepared in a form of a powdery resin by mixing and then condensing an amount of 15-60 parts by weight of one or more isocyanate compounds; an amount of 30-70 parts by weight of an ether-containing polyester polyol; and an amount of 5-40 parts by weight of one or more chain extenders.

Abstract: An adhesive, a flocked weather strip, and a process for producing the weather strip. The adhesive is a moisture-curing reactive hot-melt adhesive for weather strip flocking, which comprises as the main component a urethane prepolymer containing isocyanate groups, the adhesive having a dielectric constant at 25° C. of 3 to 10 and a melting point of 40° C. to 150° C. The flocked weather strip comprises a substrate and piles flocked thereon through the moisture-curing reactive hot-melt adhesive. The process for producing the flocked weather strip comprises thermally melting the moisture-curing reactive hot-melt adhesive, applying the melt to a substrate in a thickness of 40 to 150 &mgr;m, electrostatically flocking piles in the resulting layer of the molten adhesive, cooling the adhesive to solidify the same and fix the flocks to the substrate, and then cutting the substrate into a given size.

Abstract: A composite roof structure, and a corresponding method of fabricating the structure, are disclosed which includes use of a layer of non-cellular adhesive material (preferably a two-component non-cellular polyurea polyurethane adhesive material), roof insulation panels, along with a flexible roof membrane, preferably made of thermoplastic olefin rubber, including a rubber-like sheet having a fleece-like matting secured to the underside thereof. The non-cellular adhesive is preferably sprayed onto a roof substrate and prior to complete solidification thereof the roof membrane or roof insulation is pressed into the adhesive so that the matting becomes embedded therein.

Abstract: A solid and/or cellular polyurethane elastomers which are produced using polyester polyols are disclosed. The elastomers which exhibit improved stability to hydrolysis are characterized in that their preparation is carried out in the presence of at least one esters of monobasic carboxylic acid or polybasic carboxylic acids, the (first) dissociation constant (pK) of which is 0.5 to 4.

Abstract: A copolycarbonate diol comprising:

Abstract: This invention relates to polyurethane compounds, e.g., elastomers, which are the reaction product of a cycloaliphatic diisocyanate, a polyol and a chain extender. The cycloaliphatic diisocyanate comprises (i) trans-1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane or (ii) an isomeric mixture of two or more of cis-1,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane, trans-1,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane, cis-1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane and trans-1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane, provided the isomeric mixture comprises at least about 5 weight percent of said trans-1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane. This invention also relates to shaped and molded articles prepared from said polyurethane compounds.

Abstract: Polyurethane elastomers having a defined node density are produced from specific polyetherester polyols. These elastomers are particularly useful for the production of microcellular and solid polyurethane elastomer components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible two component polyurethane and method for producing the polyurethane. The cured polyurethane is flexible, durable and weather resistant. The polyurethane is suitable for use as a protective layer on various substrates. The flexible polyurethane is the reaction product of solvent-free reaction components. The first component includes one or more polyols, optionally, one or more diols, and a catalyst. The second component includes a primary aliphatic isocyante crosslinker.

Abstract: The end-blocked isocyanate prepolymer having an oxadiazine ring according to the present invention is characterized in that at least one of isocyanate groups of a NCO-terminated isocyanate prepolymer, which has NCO groups at the ends and comprises units derived from an oxadiazinetrione compound (A) represented by the following formula (1) and units derived from an active hydrogen compound (B) represented by the following formula (2), is blocked with a unit derived from an end-blocking agent (C) having at least one active hydrogen in one molecule, and that the end-blocked isocyanate prepolymer has a softening point of not lower than 50° C.

Abstract: In a conductive urethane composition including polyurethane obtained by a poly-addition reaction of polyol and polyisocyanate, polyether polyol is used as the polyol. An average value of a non-saturation degree of the polyether polyol is set to not more than 0.025 milliequivalents/g. The conductive urethane composition contains an organic ionic-conductive agent such as organometallic salts having fluoro groups and/or sulfonyl groups.

Abstract: Segmented polyurethane/ureas useful in the production of spandex are produced by chain extending an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer with a diamine chain extender that includes: (1) from about 7 to 25 equivalent percent of an asymmetric aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic diamine and (2) a linear diamine such as ethylene diamine in the presence of a solvent. The isocyanate-terminated prepolymer is produced by reacting a stoichiometric excess of an isocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive component that includes: (1) from about 10 to about 70 equivalent percent of a polyoxypropylene diol having a molecular weight in excess of 1500 Da and an average unsaturation level no greater than about 0.03 meq/g and (2) from about 30 to about 90 equivalent percent of a polytetramethylene ether glycol having a molecular weight of at least 600 Da.

Abstract: Segmented polyurethane/ureas useful for the production of spandex, particularly spandex fibers, are made from isocyanate-terminated prepolymers formed by reacting excess isocyanate with an isocyanate-reactive component satisfying specified compositional requirements in the presence of a catalyst which promotes linear polymerization but does not cause degradation of the polymer. Suitable catalysts include metal salts of organic fatty acids and/or of naphthenic acid. The isocyanate-reactive component includes at least 10 equivalent percent of a polyoxypropylene diol having a number average molecular weight of at least about 1500 Da and an average unsaturation level less than or equal to 0.03 meq/g and up to 90 equivalent percent of a polytetramethylene glycol having a number average molecular weight of at least 200 Da.

Abstract: In a process for preparing polyether alcohols by catalytic addition of at least two alkylene oxides onto H-functional initiator substances, at least one multimetal cyanide compound is used as catalyst and the addition of the alkylene oxides onto the initiator substance includes incorporation of at least one oxyalkylene block during whose formation at least two alkylene oxides are metered in together and the ratio of the alkylene oxides to one another in the mixture is changed during the joint introduction.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a center, a cover, and optionally, at least one intermediate layer disposed between the center and the cover, wherein at least one of the cover and the at least one intermediate layer is formed with a thermoplastic polyurethane composition comprising a reaction product of at least one polyol and at least one diisocyanate, and a curing agent consisting essentially of at least one diol having the formula: HOH2CH2C(OH2CH2C)nO—X—O(CH2CH2O)mCH2CH2OH; wherein n and m, each separately have a value of 0, 1, 2, or 3, X is o-phenylene, m-phenylene, p-phenylene, 1,2-cyclohexyl, 1,3-cyclohexyl, 1,4-cyclohexyl; and mixtures a thereof.

Abstract: A polyurethane resin having a total concentration of the urethane group and the urea group of not less than 15% by weight is prepared by reacting a diisocyanate component (e.g., an aromatic diisocyanate) with a diol component (e.g., a C2-8alkylene glycol). The repeating unit of the polyurethane resin may contain a constitutive unit of an aromatic or alicyclic compound. The polyurethane resin may be shaped into a film for use as a gas barrier film. The film may be a gas barrier composite film composed of a base film layer and a resin layer at least comprising the polyurethane resin. The present invention provides a polyurethane resin excellent in gas barrier properties against water vapor, oxygen, aromatics, and others, and a film containing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation-curable solvent-free coating composition for optical fiber having a radiation-curable urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer comprising an alkyd backbone, a reactive diluent, a photoinitiator and, optionally, an additive.

Abstract: A method of coating a game ball with a rapidly curing polyurethane coating system is described herein. The coating system comprises a mixture of a polyol, an isocyanate, a solvent and a high level of catalyst which accelerates the curing process. The coating is a two-part polyurethane system which is preferably applied by spraying. The coating is particularly well-suited for use on golf balls, and also can be applied to other game balls such as softballs, baseballs, cricket balls.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a dual curable coating that exhibits superior adhesion to ultraviolet curable inks and base coats. The present invention is preferably utilized as a top coat for a golf ball. The dual curable coating may be a tinted top coat or a clear coat. The dual curable coating includes a dual-curing component that is selected from the group of pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, hydroxy ethyl acrylate, hydroxy ethyl methacrylate, hydroxy propyl acrylate, hydroxy propyl methacrylate, caprolactone acrylate and polyproplene glycol monomethacrylate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reactive compositions containing (A) NCO prepolymers based on (cyclo)aliphatic polyisocyanates having an NCO content of 1 to 8 wt. % and a monomeric polyisocyanate content of less than 2 wt. %, (B) amine-free chain extenders containing at least 50 equivalent percent of a compound melting between 50° and 160° C. having formula (I) HO—X—Y—X—OH  (I)  wherein Y denotes methylene, ethylene, —C≡C—, 1,4-, 1,3-, or 1,2-cyclohexylene, or 1,4-, 1,3-, or 1,2-phenylene, and X denotes methylene, —OCH2CH2— (wherein oxygen is bonded to group Y), or 1,4-, 1,3-, or 1,2-cyclohexylene, and (C) 0 to 20 wt. %, relative to component (A), of inert organic solvents, wherein the equivalent ratio of the free NCO groups of component (A) to the NCO-reactive groups of component (B) is 0.90 to 1.35.

Abstract: This invention relates to fertilizer encapsulation with polyurethanes wherein the isocyanate-reactive composition contains sulfur. The process of the present invention comprises applying a polyisocyanate composition to fertilizer particles, applying an isocyanate-reactive composition which contains sulfur to the polyisocyanate coated fertilizer particles, or applying an isocyanate-reactive composition which contains sulfur to fertilizer particles and then applying a polyisocyanate composition to the isocyanate-reactive coated fertilizer particles, and repeating these steps as necessary to form sulfur containing polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer particles.

Abstract: The invention relate to a method of laminating flexible packaging, articles of manufacture and bonded laminates. The method comprises employing a laminating adhesive comprising an isocyanate-based composition comprising the reaction product of at least one polymeric polyol (part A) comprising the reaction product of at least one alkylene diol at least one diol; containing a pendant aliphatic chain; and at least one dicarboxylic acid; with at least one NCO terminated polyurethane prepolymer (part B) comprising the reaction product of at least one polyether polyol; and at least one polyisocyanate. The low viscosity laminating adhesive has enhanced processing characteristics at reduced temperature.

Abstract: Polyurethanes having improved tear resistance which are the reaction product of the following components: A) a polyol component containing dimer diol and/or trimer triol and/or an OH-terminated polyester produced from polycarboxylic acids, preferably dimer fatty acid and/or trimer fatty acid, and diols and B) an isocyanate component containing prepolymers obtained by reacting polyfunctional isocyanates with dimer diol and/or trimer triol and/or an OH-terminated polyester produced from polycarboxylic acids, preferably dimer fatty acid and/or trimer fatty acid, and diols; and processes for their manufacture.

Abstract: This invention relates to fertilizer encapsulation with polyurethanes wherein the isocyanate-reactive composition contains sulfur. The process of the present invention comprises applying a polyisocyanate composition to fertilizer particles, applying an isocyanate-reactive composition which contains sulfur to the polyisocyanate coated fertilizer particles, or applying an isocyanate-reactive composition which contains sulfur to fertilizer particles and then applying a polyisocyanate composition to the isocyanate-reactive coated fertilizer particles, and repeating these steps as necessary to form sulfur containing polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer particles.

Abstract: The solvent-free two-component adhesive composition of the present invention comprises a polyol component (A) and a polyisocyanate component (B), and the viscosity of the mixture at 80° C. immediately after the point of time the components (A) and (B) are mixed together is 900 mPa·s or higher. The component (A) may be a polyol having a number average molecular weight of 800 or larger, or a mixture thereof, and the viscosity of the component (B) at 25° C. may be 20,000 mPa·s or higher. The composition may be used for laminating metal foil of 5 to 15 m thickness with a plastic film. By using the composition of the present invention, the occurrence of blocking due to the seepage of the adhesive from metal foil is prevented. The present invention includes a process of lamination using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a curable polyurethane polymer containing in copolymerized form A) from 10 to 60% by weight of at least one hydroxyl-containing prepolymer having at least one &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated double bond, B) from 0.1 to 30% by weight of at least one compound having at least one isocyanate-reactive hydroxyl group and/or primary or secondary amino group and, in addition, at least one polar functional group per molecule, C) from 0.

Abstract: Safety clothing is produced by molding polyether-based plastic-forming compositions. Particularly preferred articles of safety clothing produced by this process are safety shoe soles.

Abstract: A low-monomer PU prepolymer containing free NCO groups which is obtained from polyhydric alcohols and diisocyanates differing in their reactivity and which is distinguished by the ratio of the NCO groups of the partly slower-reacting diisocyanate to the NCO groups of the faster-reacting diisocyanate. It is greater than 6:1. Nevertheless the prepolymer according to the invention cures more quickly than a known prepolymer predominantly containing fast-reacting NCO groups. In a preferred embodiment, TDI is used as the partly slower-reacting diisocyanate while MDI is used as the faster-reacting diisocyanate. The prepolymer is produced in two stages. The prepolymer according to the invention is suitable for bonding plastic articles, metals and paper, especially films. The accelerated absence of migration is particularly noticeable in this regard.

Abstract: A dispersant comprising the addition product of a polyisocyanate having an average functionality of from 2 to 10 and one or more poly(oxyalkylene carbonyl) chains (POAC chain) such as those containing a POAC chain derived from &egr;-caprolactone and &dgr;-valerolactone. The dispersants are used to disperse pigments in paints and printing inks.