Abstract: Polymer mini-emulsions are provided comprising a dispersed phase which comprises particles of a biocompatible hydrophilic polymer and having an average particle size between 50 and 750 nm, the polymer particles comprising a polymer of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer; an aqueous continuous phase in which said dispersed phase is dispersed; at least one co-stabilizer effective to stabilize the mini-emulsion; and optionally, a effective amount of at least one pharmaceutical agent, e.g., an anti-microbial agent. Biocompatible hydrophilic films formed from the mini-emulsions are provided, as are methods for making and using these barrier films on mammalian skin, particularly in the therapeutic treatment of serious skin wounds and burns. The flexible films tenaciously adhere to skin and are durable and washable. They preferably are permeable to air and water vapor, but can be formulated to substantially prevent gas or vapor permeation for use in contaminated environments.

Abstract: A distinctive graft copolymer is made by dissolving an alkyd resin in various vinyl monomers (methyl methacrylate, styrene, etc.). The monomer/alkyd solution is then miniemulsion polymerized to form a latex consisting of submicron particles of polymer with the alkyd grafted onto the polymer backbone. The latex can be applied to a substrate, which on drying forms a polymeric film with good film properties. The latex can be used in a latex paint formulation in place of an acrylate, acetate or styrene-divinyl benzene latex. In this way it is possible to produce water-borne alkyd coatings which combine the film hardness properties of an oil-based alkyd coating with easy application and cleanup. The coating will beneficially lack organic solvent exposure of typical standard latex coatings.

Abstract: An essentially stable monomer miniemulsion characterized by small monomer droplet size is prepared and is then polymerized to a polymer latex under free radical polymerization conditions. The monomer miniemulsions herein include, in addition to water, a surfactant, and a monomer or mixture thereof, one or more polymers which function as a polymeric co-surfactant. The monomer miniemulsions are characterized by average monomer droplet size of 10 to 500 nanometers, preferably 80 to 150 nanometers. The amount of polymer added as a co-surfactant is about 0.5 to about 5 percent by weight based on monomer weight. The monomer emulsion may contain either a single monomer or a monomer mixture. The monomer emulsion is polymerized under conventional emulsion polymerization conditions yielding a polymer latex having an average polymer particle size of 10 to 500 nanometers, preferably 80 to 150 nanometers, and a narrow particle size distribution, i.e., a polydispersity index of about 1.05 to about 1.40.