Abstract: Improved water-based adhesives, which include polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs), are disclosed. The PNPs have polymerized units of at least one multiethylenically unsaturated monomer and of at least one ethylenically unsaturated water soluble monomer, and have a mean diameter of 1 to 50 nanometers. Preferably, the adhesive comprises at least one aqueous emulsion polymer and PNPs.

Abstract: Multi-stage polymer particles comprising at least one hydrophobically-modified, ionically-soluble polymer stage polymerized from a) hydrophobic monomer, b) ethylenically-unsaturated, ionizable monomer, c) non-ionic, ethylenically-unsaturated monomer and optionally d) multi-functional compound are improved thickeners.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-aqueous coating composition and a method for reducing the drying time of a non-aqueous coating composition by incorporating composite polymer particles having a softer, insoluble first stage and a hard second stage without adversely affecting the viscosity and pot life of the liquid coating composition and without degrading the properties of the final dry coating, including color, flexibility, impact resistance, gasoline resistance, salt spray resistance and humidity resistance.

Abstract: An emulsion polymerization process for making a low molecular weight alkali-soluble copolymer of a water insoluble monoethylenically unsaturated aromatic monomer and methacrylic acid, includes heating an aqueous reaction mixture, said reaction mixture having a pH of less than or equal to about 4.5 and including from about 25 parts by weight to about 75 parts by weight of the water insoluble monoethylenically unsaturated aromatic monomer; from about 25 parts by weight to about 75 parts by weight methacrylic acid; a polymerization initiator; a reducing agent; a catalyst effective for promoting decomposition of the polymerization initiator in the presence of the reducing agent; and an amount of a chain transfer agent effective to limit copolymer weight average molecular weight to a range of about 2,000 to about 40,000; to a temperature greater than or equal to about 75.degree. C.; and maintaining the reaction mixture at a temperature greater than or equal to about 75.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention relates to a two stage aqueous emulsion polymerization process for making graft copolymers. In the first stage, at least one first ethylenically unsaturated monomer is polymerized in the presence of at least one mercapto-olefin compound to form a macromonomer with terminal functional groups. In the second stage, at least one second ethylenically unsaturated monomer is polymerized in the presence of the macromonomer such that a copolymer is formed with a backbone of polymerized units of the at least one second ethylenically unsaturated monomer and side chains of the macromonomer.

Abstract: Multi-stage polymer particles comprising at least one hydrophobically-modified, ionically-soluble polymer stage polymerized from a) hydrophobic monomer, b) ethylenically-unsaturated, ionizable monomer, c) non-ionic, ethylenically-unsaturated monomer and optionally d) multi-functional compound are improved thickeners.

Abstract: This invention relates to a two stage aqueous emulsion polymerization process for making graft copolymers. In the first stage, at least one first ethylenically unsaturated monomer is polymerized in the presence of at least one mercapto-olefin compound to form a macromonomer with terminal functional groups. In the second stage, at least one second ethylenically unsaturated monomer is polymerized in the presence of the macromonomer such that a copolymer is formed with a backbone of polymerized units of the at least one second ethylenically unsaturated monomer and side chains of the macromonomer.

Abstract: Alkali-resistant core-shell polymers having an acid-insoluble core and an acid-soluble shell are prepared by sequential emulsion polymerization of a monomer mixture having acid-ionizable functionality such that the resulting polymer has an acid-insoluble core and an acid-soluble shell. Films from these alkali-resistant, core-shell polymers are resistant to high pH environments where alkali-resistance is required. The alkali-resistant, core-shell polymers are useful in applications such as inks, clear overprint varnishes, coatings, metal adhesion, fiber treatment, paper treatment, cathodic deposition coatings, stain blocking, coagulants and flocculants.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are core-shell polymers having an alkali-insoluble, emulsion polymer core and an alkali-soluble, emulsion polymer shell attached or associated with said core so that upon dissolving said shell with alkali, a portion of said shell remains attached or associated with said core. Also disclosed are compositions wherein said shell polymer has been neutralized and substantially, but not totally, dissolved so as to form a blend of neutralized core-shell polymer and an aqueous solution of neutralized shell polymer.

Abstract: Improved core-shell polymers having an alkali-insoluble core and an alkali-soluble shell are prepared by emulsion polymerization of the core-shell polymers utilizing compounds which chemically graft the core and shell together. The core-shell polymers exhibit improved solvent stability, water resistance, heat resistance and rheology. The polymers are useful in application such as inks, coatings and varnishes, floor polishes, leather treatment, cement formulations, and as a seed for further emulsion polymerization.

Abstract: A process is provided for applying to a substrate a polymer composition containing an alkali-soluble polymer and a latex polymer incompatible with the alkali-soluble polymer, at a weight ratio of alkali-soluble polymer to latex polymer of about 1:99 to about 80:20. The process achieves the rheological benefits of the alkali-soluble polymer in the wet state while achieving a good balance of properties in the final treated substrate.