Abstract: A novel polymer of a vinyl benzyl ether monomer and at least one other copolymerizable monomer, at least one of which other monomers has a carboxylic acid group, an anhydride group, a sulfate group, a sulfonate group or a hydroxyl group is disclosed. The vinyl benzyl ether monomer has the formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or methyl, m is about 10 to 100 and Y is ##STR2## where R.sub.1 is an alkyl, aralkyl or alkaryl hydrophobic group of 10 to about 22 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is an alkyl group of 1 to about 22 carbon atoms and R.sub.3 is hydrogen or an alkyl group of 1 to about 22 carbon atoms, provided R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 in combination have at least 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Nonionic water soluble thickening agents are prepared by copolymerizing about 1 to 5 mole percent of a vinyl benzyl ether having the formula ##SPC1##And the balance to make 100 mole percent of acrylamide.

Abstract: By the introduction of pendant phthalate, isophthalate or terephthalate half ester groups thermosettable vinyl ester resins can be successfully frothed using certain silicone frothing agents.