Abstract: A continuous bulk polymerization and esterification process includes continuously charging into a reaction zone at least one ethylenically unsaturated acid-functional monomer and at least one linear or branched chain alkanol having greater than 11 carbon atoms. The process includes maintaining a flow rate through the reaction zone sufficient to provide an average residence time of less than 60 minutes and maintaining a temperature in the reaction zone sufficient to produce a polymeric product incorporating at least some of the alkanol as an ester of the polymerized ethylenically unsaturated acid-functional monomer. The polymeric product is used in various processes to produce water-based compositions including emulsions and dispersions such as oil emulsions, wax dispersions, pigment dispersions, surfactants and coatings which contain the polymeric product.

Abstract: A continuous bulk polymerization and esterification process includes continuously charging into a reaction zone at least one ethylenically unsaturated acid-functional monomer and at least one linear or branched chain alkanol having greater than 11 carbon atoms. The process includes maintaining a flow rate through the reaction zone sufficient to provide an average residence time of less than 60 minutes and maintaining a temperature in the reaction zone sufficient to produce a polymeric product incorporating at least some of the alkanol as an ester of the polymerized ethylenically unsaturated acid-functional monomer. The polymeric product is used in various processes to produce water-based compositions including emulsions and dispersions such as oil emulsions, wax dispersions, pigment dispersions, surfactants and coatings which contain the polymeric product.

Abstract: A continuous bulk polymerization and esterification process includes continuously charging into a reaction zone at least one ethylenically unsaturated acid-functional monomer and at least one linear or branched chain alkanol having greater than 11 carbon atoms. The process includes including maintaining a flow rate through the reaction zone sufficient to provide an average residence time of less than 60 minutes and maintaining a temperature in the reaction zone sufficient to produce a polymeric product incorporating at least some of the alkanol as an ester of the polymerized ethylenically unsaturated acid-functional monomer. The polymeric product is used in various processes to produce water-based compositions including emulsions and dispersions such as oil emulsions, wax dispersions, pigment dispersions, surfactants and coatings which contain the polymeric product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high temperature continuous polymerization and condensation process for preparing a polymeric product. The process includes continuously charging into a reaction zone: at least one radically-polymerizable monomer having a radically polymerizable group and at least one condensation reactive functionality; and at least one modifying agent having a functional group capable of reacting with the condensation reactive functionality. The reaction zone includes at least one primary reactor, but may, and preferably does, contain a secondary reactor. The process further includes maintaining an effective temperature in the primary reactor to cause polymerization of the monomer and to allow at least a portion of the condensation reactive functionality to react with the functional group of the modifying agent.

Abstract: A process to continuously bulk polymerize vinylic monomers to prepare low molecular weight, uniform, polymers employs minor amounts of initiator and, optionally solvents, at short residence times and moderate reaction temperatures to provide high yields of a product suitable for high solids applications.

Abstract: YAqueous suspension polymers are prepared from water insoluble and water soluble monomers in an aqueous dispersion using an oil soluble initiator. A cosolvent partitions the water soluble monomer into the insoluble monomer/polymer droplets. Molecular weight and product homogeneity are controlled with a mercaptan chain transfer agent.