Abstract: A process for preparing emulsion polymer particles comprising: (a) providing an aqueous emulsion of a multistage core-shell polymer with a hydrophilic core, (b) adding one or more inhibitors to substantially stop any polymerization, (c) adding monomer to the emulsion polymer, (d) adding swelling agent and (e) reducing the level of monomer by at least fifty percent. The process produces multistage polymers having low dry-bulk density useful in coating compositions such paints and paper coatings.

Abstract: Polymer-pigment composites, aqueous dispersions of polymer-pigment composites and coating compositions containing the polymer-pigment composites are disclosed, wherein the polymer is formed from terminally-unsaturated oligomers containing acid functionality.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing a waterborne isocyanate-modified acrylic polymer. The method provides for reacting a compound having at least two-isocyanate functionalities with an isocyanate-reactive polymer to produce the isocyanate-modified acrylic polymer of the present invention having extended shelf stability and solvent resistance.

Abstract: An improved process, preferably continuous, for the manufacture of gradient refractive index optical objects, wherein a core polymer, which itself may be prepared by a continuous and incorporated process, is passed through a hollow porous surrounding, generally cylindrical so as to obtain and maintain a rounded fiber, through which is fed a second monomer whose polymer has a lower refractive index than the core polymer, so as to swell the core polymer. The swollen polymer with a gradient of swelling by the second monomer from surface to core, is then led to a polymerization unit to complete the polymerization before equilibration of the second monomer throughout the core polymer occurs. The resulting polymers are useful in the preparation of optical fibers and light pipes.

Abstract: A combination of chemicals suitable for extending pot life and shortening cure time of a pot mix of a thermosetting composition is disclosed. The combination of chemicals includes a catalyst, such as, dibutyl tin dilaurate; carboxylic or sulfonic acid; and an extender compound, such as 2,4 pentanedione. The combination is generally included in a polymeric component of the urethane composition. The extended pot life provides the user with longer open time during which to efficiently apply a coating of the pot mix over a wide variety of substrate surfaces while still producing coatings that cure quickly upon application.

Abstract: A method of producing an opaque adherent coating on the surface of a substantially hydrated cementitious substrate is provided. A waterborne storage stable sealer comprising an aqueous medium containing a binder polymer and an opacifying polymer is applied on the surface of such a cementitious substrate. Upon drying the layer substantially hides the primary efflorescence typically present on the surface of the cementitious substrate. Applicants have unexpectedly discovered that by optimally adjusting the thickness of the coating a weight amount of waterborne storage stable sealer solids in the waterborne storage stable sealer and a pigment volume content of the opacifying polymer in the storage stable sealer the opaque adherent coating is produced on the surface of the substantially hydrated cementitious substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of coating a substrate under ambient conditions by conventional single step application means, such as single spray heads with a single pack fast dry paint, containing a coating composition of the present invention, which contains a latex binder, an associative thickener and a water soluble organic volatile solvent. The amounts the associative thickener and the solvent are such that the paint has an in-can viscosity under ambient conditions in the range of from 1,000 cps to 6,000 cps and a set-to-touch dry time rating under ASTM D-1640 of less than 10 minutes. The method of the present invention and coating composition used therein can be used to produce a quick drying coating useful as, a pavement or road marking traffic paint for concrete, asphalt or bituminous roads, walkways, or parking lots.

Abstract: A process for preparing multi-stage emulsion polymers is provided. The process is capable of producing multi-stage emulsion polymers having low dry-bulk density. These polymers are useful in coating compositions such as paints and paper coatings.

Abstract: A detergent tablet is disclosed which comprises at least 50 wt. % of a non-phosphate builder and from 0 to 20 wt. % of a phosphate builder, and has incorporated therein as binder from 0.3 to 5 wt. % of a neutralised polymer of hydrophilic or hydrophobic monomers which have a glass transition temperature (Tg) of from 40 to 120.degree. C., which monomers comprise(meth)acrylic acid, maleic anhydride, alkyl (meth)acrylates, alkylhydroxy (meth)acrylates, or styrene, the polymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 10,000 to 120,000.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing a fluorescent polymer, whereby an ethylenically unsaturated monomer is copolymerized with a polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon or a substituted aromatic derivative thereof, such that the resultant polymer is fluorescent. Also disclosed are coating compositions containing such fluorescent polymers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treating tanned leather to improve its dyeing characteristics while still retaining desired grain break and grain strength. The tanned leather is contacted, preferably by immersion, in a float containing a syntan and a desired colorant. The syntan includes a copolymer of a carboxylic acid monomer and a vinyl ester monomer, such as, vinyl acetate. The retanning method of the present invention provides wide process latitude.

Abstract: An ink composition and a method for preparing the ink composition are disclosed. The ink composition provides stability, bleed resistance and lightfastness without requiring the use of a cosolvent. The composition is based on a polymeric dispersant which is compatible with the hydrophobic surfaces of many pigments and which forms a stable dispersion of pigment in an aqueous environment. The ink composition is useful for organic and inorganic pigments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for removing ink from a substrate containing at least one synthetic polymeric resin which comprises contacting the substrate with an aqueous solution of a glycol ether for a time sufficient, and under conditions effective, to remove the ink, wherein the glycol ether may be represented by Formula (I)R.sub.1 --O--R.sub.2 --OH (I)wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups having from 1 to about 8 carbon atoms. This invention also pertains to improved methods for preparing de-inked recycled substrates employing the aqueous solution of glycol ether.

Abstract: Hot melt adhesive compositions containing amine and acid terminated polyamide resins, optionally curable when combined with epoxy resins, wherein the amine component of the polyamide resin contains (i) 1,2-diaminopropane, (ii) a piperazine-containing diamine, and optionally, (iii) polyetherdiamines; the polyamide resins may be acid or amine terminated, and are characterized by having an acid plus amine number of up to 40, preferably up to 30, and more preferably up to 20; the adhesive compositions are useful in a number of applications and have good strength while exhibiting flexibility and low tackiness.

Abstract: A flavor enhancing composition including benzyl benzoate and neryl acetate is provided in accordance with the invention. The flavor enhancing composition can be provided in either solid, i.e. powder, or liquid form and is used to enhance the flavor of mints, gums, candy, oral hygiene products and the like.

Abstract: A jelly-type substance incorporating a water-insoluble color is provided. The colored jelly-type substance can be incorporated in a liquid composition having an acidic pH between about 2.5 and 6.0 and the color will remain incorporated in the jelly-type substance. A liquid composition including the jelly-type substances and a method for incorporating the water-soluble colors in the jelly-type substance are also provided.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a printing cylinder having a ceramic-coated surface embedded with dried printing ink residue or metal shavings is disclosed including the steps of:(1) contacting the ceramic-coated surface of the printing cylinder with an acid solution for a period of time sufficient to dissolve the embedded dried printing ink residue and embedded metal shavings; and(2) neutralizing the acid solution.The method of the invention is useful for removing dried printing ink residue and metal shavings which become embedded in the ceramic-coated surface of the printing cylinder during the printing operation, without damaging the ceramic-coated printing surface, especially after repeated cleanings, and without posing a waste disposal hazard.

Abstract: Flavor emulsions prepared by encapsulating a flavoring agent in leucaena gum are disclosed. The flavor emulsions can be used to prepare beverages in accordance with the invention.