Abstract: Polymers including multi-stage polymers that combine the structural integrity of a polymer with a high glass transition temperature (Tg) with a softer, lower molecular weight polymer that coalesces quickly and is flexible to maintain scrubbability are disclosed. Architectural compositions containing these film-forming polymers exhibit anti-blocking properties within one hour from being applied to a substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an additive for a paint or stain composition or for a colorant composition. The additive is polymerized from at least one acrylate monomer and a chain transfer agent. The additive has a weight molecular weight from about 2,000 Daltons to about 5,000 Daltons, and the chain transfer agent comprises a hydrogen-sulfur functionality. The additive's glass transition temperature ranges from about ?50° C. to about ?10° C. and the additive is hydrophobic.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an additive for a paint or stain composition or for a colorant composition. The additive is polymerized from at least one acrylate monomer and a chain transfer agent. The additive has a weight molecular weight from about 2,000 Daltons to about 5,000 Daltons, and the chain transfer agent comprises a hydrogen-sulfur functionality and is present from about 8 to about 20 parts per hundred parts of monomers. The additive's glass transition temperature ranges from about ?50° C. to about ?10° C. and the additive is hydrophobic. The additive is added to the colorant composition to minimize tip drying at the colorant canisters, and is added to paint or stain composition as an open time extender.

Abstract: Polymers including multi-stage polymers that combine the structural integrity of a polymer with a high glass transition temperature (Tg) with a softer, lower molecular weight polymer that coalesces quickly and is flexible to maintain scrubbability are disclosed. Architectural compositions containing these film-forming polymers exhibit anti-blocking properties within one hour from being applied to a substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an additive for a paint or stain composition or for a colorant composition. The additive is polymerized from at least one acrylate monomer and a chain transfer agent. The additive has a weight molecular weight from about 2,000 Daltons to about 5,000 Daltons, and the chain transfer agent comprises a hydrogen-sulfur functionality and is present from about 8 to about 20 parts per hundred parts of monomers. The additive's glass transition temperature ranges from about ?50° C. to about ?10° C. and the additive is hydrophobic. The additive is added to the colorant composition to minimize tip drying at the colorant canisters, and is added to paint or stain composition as an open time extender.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric paint additive that increases the open time and the flow and leveling of paint compositions, as well as, maintaining/improving paint film properties such as scrub resistance, water sensitivity, surfactant leaching and stain removal. The polymeric open time additive preferably has a high glass transition temperature, e.g., above 100° C., as determined by the well-known Fox's equation, and molecular weight of less than 20,000 Daltons (number average molecular weight). The particle size of the inventive polymeric open time additive is in the range of about 130 nm to about 230 nm (volume average), prior to being dissolved in a basic solution, such as an aqueous architectural composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric paint additive that increases the open time and the flow and leveling of paint compositions, as well as, maintaining/improving paint film properties such as scrub resistance, water sensitivity, surfactant leaching and stain removal. The polymeric open time additive preferably has a high glass transition temperature, e.g., above 100° C., as determined by the well-known Fox's equation, and molecular weight of less than 20,000 Daltons (number average molecular weight). The particle size of the inventive polymeric open time additive is in the range of about 130 nm to about 230 nm (volume average), prior to being dissolved in a basic solution, such as an aqueous architectural composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid latex composition containing polymer particles that are polymerized in at least two stages including a first phase acrylic core polymer, and a second phase vinyl acrylic shell polymer including a monomer that is crosslinkable under ambient conditions. Paint compositions and architectural coatings containing the latex composition according to the invention are also described herein, as well as methods for making the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to self-coalescing latexes that incorporate film fat ing polymers that are low molecular weight polymers that are compatible with the latex and act as thin plasticizers penetrating through the remainder of the latex particle and aiding in the coalescence of the remaining polymers. In a preferred embodiment, the self-coalescing latex is a sequentially polymerized polymer having at least a core, a shell and a skin. The film forming polymers are formed of monomers substantially the same as the monomers of the shell but having average weighted molecular weights substantially less than the polymers of the shell. The present invention also relates to the method of polymerizing the self-coalescing latex of the current invention, which largely results from the addition of a substantial amount of chain transfer agent to a remaining portion, about 15% or less, of the monomer pre-emulsion prior to polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid latex composition containing polymer particles that are polymerized in at least two stages including a first phase acrylic core polymer, and a second phase vinyl acrylic shell polymer including a monomer that is crosslinkable under ambient conditions. Paint compositions and architectural coatings containing the latex composition according to the invention are also described herein, as well as methods for making the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to self-coalescing latexes that incorporate film fat ing polymers that are low molecular weight polymers that are compatible with the latex and act as thin plasticizers penetrating through the remainder of the latex particle and aiding in the coalescence of the remaining polymers. In a preferred embodiment, the self-coalescing latex is a sequentially polymerized polymer having at least a core, a shell and a skin. The film forming polymers are formed of monomers substantially the same as the monomers of the shell but having average weighted molecular weights substantially less than the polymers of the shell. The present invention also relates to the method of polymerizing the self-coalescing latex of the current invention, which largely results from the addition of a substantial amount of chain transfer agent to a remaining portion, about 15% or less, of the monomer pre-emulsion prior to polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous coating composition comprising a treated latex polymer dispersion with less than about 50 ppm of unreacted monomers. The latex polymer dispersion can be treated by various means, including stripping and chasing, to remove unreacted monomers from the dispersion. Unreacted monomers significantly contribute to paint odor. In an innovative aspect of the present invention, the synergistic combination of the treated latex dispersion with pigments and other low or zero-VOC additives results in an aqueous coating composition with de minimis levels of volatile emissions, low odor, and paint performance comparable to premium latex paints.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water soluble open time extenders, which are mixed with an architectural coating, such as aqueous latex paints, to increase the coating's open time and crosslink to the architectural coating upon drying. The open time extender comprises neutralized water soluble polymers with hydrophobic, hydrophilic and cross-linkable monomers, and at least one crosslinking agent. The open time extender also comprises water and the total solid content of the open time extender is less than about 25% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous coating composition comprising a treated latex polymer dispersion with less than about 50 ppm of unreacted monomers. The latex polymer dispersion can be treated by various means, including stripping and chasing, to remove unreacted monomers from the dispersion. Unreacted monomers significantly contribute to paint odor. In an innovative aspect of the present invention, the synergistic combination of the treated latex dispersion with pigments and other low or zero-VOC additives results in an aqueous coating composition with de minimis levels of volatile emissions, low odor, and paint performance comparable to premium latex paints.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substrates and coating compositions disposed thereon containing improved ultraviolet degradation resistance. Specifically, these coating compositions can contain multiple UV protectants and can advantageously be used in transparent, semi-transparent, and/or translucent coatings on substrates, particularly opaque or semi-opaque substrates such as wood, e.g., in order to inhibit, to reduce, and/or to minimize UV degradation of said substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers polymerized sequentially or in stages and having multimodal molecular weight distributions. The polymers according to the invention can advantageously be present in aqueous emulsion or latex form and can advantageously be used in paint compositions and other coating applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substrates and coating compositions disposed thereon containing improved ultraviolet degradation resistance. Specifically, these coating compositions can contain multiple UV protectants and can advantageously be used in transparent, semi-transparent, and/or translucent coatings on substrates, particularly opaque or semi-opaque substrates such as wood, e.g., in order to inhibit, to reduce, and/or to minimize UV degradation of said substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers polymerized sequentially or in stages and having multimodal molecular weight distributions. The polymers according to the invention can advantageously be present in aqueous emulsion or latex form and can advantageously be used in paint compositions and other coating applications.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of core/shell polymer particles comprises forming a core particle containing acid functionality, a first shell around said core of a copolymer of a nonionic monoethylenically unsaturated aromatic monomer and a copolymerisable polar monomer in an amount of at least 15% by weight of the copolymer and having a solubility in water at 20.degree. C. of at least 1% by weight and a second shell around said first shell of a polymer or copolymer of a nonionic monomer having a solubility in water at 20.degree. C. of less than 1% by weight and swelling the particle with a non-volatile alkali to generate one or more vesicles.Preferably each shell contains a polymer or copolymer of styrene.