Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient aqueous polymerization process of 6 hours or less for preparing water soluble polymer products formed from 50 to 100 weight percent of one or more monoethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid monomers and 0 to 50 weight percent of one or more optional other water soluble monoethylenically unsaturated monomers. In this process, 1) an aqueous reaction mixture of dicarboxylic acid monomer is formed, 2) from about 0.9 to about 2.1 equivalent moles of base are added to the reaction mixture per mole dicarboxylic acid monomer, 3) at least one metal promoter is added to the reaction mixture, 4) one or more initiators and optional other water soluble monoethylenically unsaturated monomer are fed to the reaction mixture, 5) the weight percent reaction solids during the polymerization is between about 40 and about 65 weight percent, and 6) the reaction temperature is maintained at about 80.degree. C. to about 140.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for efficiently utilizing hypophosphorous acid or salts thereof as a chain transfer agent is provided wherein the polymerization is conducted to a final polymer solids level of at least about 50 percent by weight.The polymers produced are useful as dispersants for paint formulations, additives for laundry and machine dishwashing detergents, mineral dispersants, dispersants for kaolin clay slurries and scale inhibitors, dispersants and corrosion inhibitors for water treatment and oil production.

Abstract: This invention relates to essentially water-clear aqueous coating compositions, particularly floor polishing compositions, containing a highly hydrophilic addition copolymer of low molecular weight, a water miscible organic coalescing agent or plasticizer and, as optional components, a polyvalent metal compound, an alkali-soluble resin and a wax, with or without a wax-soluble resin. Methods of using the composition and articles containing transparent coatings derived from such compositions are also included in the invention. The compositions of this invention, when formulated with such desirable additives as wetting agents and leveling agents and adjusted to a final alkaline pH of between 7.