Abstract: A process for the preparation of copolymers in which in a first step an olefinically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid is reacted with a polyhydric alcohol to yield a hemi-ester having free hydroxyl groups, which in a second step is reacted with a monoepoxy compound to yield an olefinically unsaturated diester containing hydroxyl groups, wherein the diester is copolymerized in at least one further step with at least one unsaturated monomer having no free carboxyl groups, and the hardenable reaction product thus obtained is either isolated or hardened with a hardening agent, and coating and adhesive compositions containing a copolymer thus obtained.

Abstract: A powder binder composition comprising a mixture of(I) an epoxy resin,(II) a hardener comprising a polyester having free carboxylic groups, and(III) from 0.05 to 5% by weight based on the weight of component II of an accelerator comprising at least one compound of the formulae ##STR1## wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group,R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a nitro group,R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.2-4 alkenyl group or a phenyl group,R.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-7 alkyl group,R.sup.4 represents a C.sub.1-12 alkyl group or a phenyl group,R.sup.5 represents a hydrogen atom or an aryl or C.sub.1-6 alkyl group, andX represents a hydrogen atom or a vinyl or C.sub.1-4 alkyl group and an article coated with said composition.