Abstract: A process for preparing an aqueous emulsion polymer including providing at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a free radical redox initiator system under emulsion polymerization conditions, the redox initiator system including an oxidant; a reductant and a metal promoter complex, and effecting the polymerization of at least some of the ethylenically unsaturated monomer is provided. Also provided is a process for reducing the residual ethylenically unsaturated monomer content of an aqueous emulsion polymer.

Abstract: A method of preparing an aqueous composition for treating leather comprises adding a predetermined amount of a solid particulate leather treatment composition directly into a predetermined amount of water in a vessel at a tannery; and dissolving or dispersing said solid particulate composition in said water. The solid particulate composition comprises 0.1 wt % or more based on the total weight of said particulate composition of a particulate hygroscopic material. The solid particulate composition is non-dusting in humid atmospheres.

Abstract: An aqueous composition is provided containing a first polymer including at least one C12 to C40 alkyl ester of (meth)acrylic acid, as polymerized units; at least one wax, at least one pigment, and optionally, at least one second polymer, wherein the sum of the first polymer and the second polymer is at least 10 weight %, based on weight of the aqueous composition; wherein the weight ratio of the first polymer to the second polymer is at least 1:4; and wherein the first polymer and the second polymer have a combined glass transition temperature in the range of −5 to 20° C. As provided is a method of treating a wood surface with the aqueous composition. The aqueous composition provides wood with resistance to water wetting and penetration of water and is suitable as a semi-transparent stain for wood.

Abstract: An exterior finishing composition is provided containing a polymer which includes hydrophobic monomers as polymerized units, and a rheology modifier. The exterior finishing composition is useful as a basecoat and as a topcoat in multilayered exterior wall systems. Also provided is a method of coating a vertical surface with the exterior finishing composition.

Abstract: Composite particles and a method of preparing the composite particles are provided. The composite particles contain titanium dioxide particles with adsorbed two-phase polymer particles. The two-phase polymer particles have a soft polymer phase and a hard polymer phase in which the weight ratio of the hard polymer phase to the soft polymer phase is in the range of 10:1 to 1:5. The composite particles containing the two-phase polymer particles have improved aqueous stability and provide coatings with improved scrub resistance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing polymers which contain as polymerized units hydrophobic monomers wherein a stable emulsion is formed and the formation of suspension particles is minimized. The process includes making a concentrated monomer emulsion, diluting the concentrated monomer emulsion with water, feeding the diluted monomer emulsion to a reactor, and polymerizing the monomer.

Abstract: A composition useful as gypsum wallboard and a method for protecting gypsum wallboard against water are disclosed. The composition and the method utilize a polymer containing a hydrophobically modified monomer to provide water resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oligomer with a semi-telechelic nitrogen-functionality and at least one ethylenic unsaturation pendant to the backbone of the oligomer. In addition, a process is provided to prepare the semi-telechelic nitrogen-functional oligomer. The semi-telechelic nitrogen-functional oligomer is useful as a dispersant for pigments in radiation curable formulations.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersion of copolymers formed by the polymerization of a monomer mixture containing 0.05% to less than 4.5% by weight of certain terminally unsaturated oligomers are useful for improving the scrub resistance, corrosion resistance, opacifying capacity and/or efflorescence resistance of a coating.

Abstract: Polymer compositions which are useful to improve water repellency and durability in fiber, nonwoven, textile, and paper compositions are disclosed. A method of improving water repellency and durability in fiber, nonwoven, textile, and paper compositions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous process for preparing polymers is disclosed. The continuous process includes the steps of continuously feeding a reaction mixture containing a monomer into a non-cylindrical channel, continuously controlling the temperature of the non-cylindrical channel by exposing the surface of the non-cylindrical channel not exposed to the monomer to a temperature control medium, polymerizing the monomer in the non-cylindrical channel, and continuously removing the polymer from the non-cylindrical channel. The continuous process is suitable for the preparation of polymers containing ethylenically unsaturated monomers as polymerized units by emulsion polymerization, solution polymerization, and suspension polymerization.

Abstract: A method for preparing a pressure sensitive paper label is provided. The method is particularly useful on filled papers, especially papers filled with inorganic fillers containing multivalent cation. The pressure sensitive adhesive contains from 0.1 percent to 5 percent of a selected acid monomer, and 99.9 percent to 95 percent of at least one ethenically unsaturated monomer. Paper labels made by the method of this invention have superior age-resistance properties, and may be applied to a wide variety of substrates such as paper, metal, glass, wood, painted surfaces, corrugated board and plastic.

Abstract: The use of polymers in masonry applications such as cement modifiers, cement roof tile modifiers, cement roof tile slurry coatings, and cement roof tile coatings is disclosed. The compositions utilized provide improved water absorption and water vapor transmission rates as well as improved flexural strength.