Abstract: Method of producing copolymers by free-radical polymerization of at least one water-soluble N-vinyllactam and at least one hydrophobic comonomer in an organic solvent in the presence of an initiator, where the polymerization is carried out under a gauge pressure such that evaporation of the components is avoided.

Abstract: Methods of producing vinyllactam copolymers which include: providing at least one water-soluble N-vinyllactam; providing at least one hydrophobic comonomer; and subjecting the at least one water-soluble N-vinyllactam and the at least one hydrophobic comonomer to free-radical polymerization in an organic solvent in the presence of an initiator, under a combination of process measures selected from the group consisting of A and B; wherein: (A) comprises (i) polymerization under reflux, and at least two of (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), and (vii), wherein (ii) comprises an addition of at least 5 mol % of N-vinyllactam to the polymerization mixture if at least 70 mol % of the total amount of hydrophobic monomer used have completely reacted, (iii) comprises return of condensate formed in the reflux from below to the polymerization mixture, (iv) comprises introduction of the initiator in the form of a solution in an organic solvent from below into the polymerization mixture, (v) comprises addition of N-vinyllacta

Abstract: Agglomerated polymer particles of finely divided, water-soluble or water-swellable polymers containing ammonium carboxylate groups are prepared by azeotropic removal of water from water-in-oil emulsions of the water-soluble or water-swellable polymers which contain ammonium carboxylate groups in the presence of from 0.1 to 40% by weight, based on the polymers, of polyalkylene glycols which have an agglomerating effect and which are obtainable by an addition reaction of C2-C4-alkylene oxides with alcohols, phenols, amines or carboxylic acids and contain at least two polymerized alkylene oxide units and additionally of from 0.1 to 20% by weight, based on the polymers, of protective colloids which are obtainable by free radical copolymerization of C8-C40-monoolefins with monoethylenically unsaturated C4-C6-dicarboxylic anhydrides by a mass polymerization method at from 80 to 300° C.

Abstract: Vinyl ester resins possess unsaturated terminal groups and are based on polyphenols of the formulaC(ArOH).sub.m (R').sub.p --(CR.sub.2).sub.n --C(ArOH).sub.m (R").sub.p (I)or(ArOH)--CH.sub.2 --Ar--CH.sub.2 --[(ArOH)--CH.sub.2 --Ar--CH.sub.2 ].sub.n --(ArOH) (II)wherein R, R' and R" may be identical or different and are each H or CH.sub.3, Ar is phenylene which is unsubstituted or substituted by methyl or methoxy, n is 0, 1 or 2, m is 1 or 2 and p is 3-m.

Abstract: A heat-curable aqueous coating agent contains, as a binder, a mixture or precondensate of(A) a resin possessing basic nitrogen groups and(B) a phenol resin based on a resol ether which is bonded via 0,0'-methylene ether groups and whose p-positions predominantly carry hydrogen and/or methylolalkyl ether groups.After protonation with an acid, the said coating agent is particularly useful as a binder for the cathodic electrocoating of metal articles.

Abstract: Phenol resins which are modified with compounds possessing amide and/or imide groups and are based on phenol resol ethers bonded via o,o'-methylene ether groups, and a process for their preparation.The novel modified phenol resol ethers are useful for the preparation of coating systems, in particular as crosslinking agents for cathodic electrocoating binders, and for the preparation of adhesives and rubber assistants.

Abstract: Essentially phenol-free phenol resol ethers which are bonded via o,o'-methylene ether groups are prepared by a process in whichA. where the process is carried out beginning with the methylolation in an aqueous medium, the methylolation is carried out in the presence of 0.5-10% by weight, based on the phenol employed, of Me.sup.++ ions, the latter are then removed as a sparingly soluble salt, the water present as a solvent in the reaction mixture is removed at 30.degree.-80.degree. C. in the presence or absence of one or more monohydric, dihydric or trihydric alcohols and an entraining agent, and the water of reaction formed during the etherification is separated off at 45.degree.-120.degree. C., andB. where the process is carried out beginning with the methylolation in a non-polar organic solvent, the methylolation is carried out in the presence of 0.1-0.3% by weight, based on the phenol employed, of Me.sup.++ ions, the etherification is effected at 95.degree.-120.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of condensation products of phenols and isobutyraldehyde by reacting the phenols and isobutyraldehyde at elevated temperature in a mole ratio of 0.5:1 to 1.5:1 in the presence of acid or compounds hydrolyzable to acids as catalysts, subsequent neutralization and removal of the resultant reaction water by distillation wherein the reaction products obtained in this manner are also subjected to a water-vapor distillation.

Abstract: Non-flammable insulating materials having good fire resistance and a density of from 80 to 230 g/l, which materials compriseA. from 99 to 80% by weight of inorganic lightweight particles, preferably expanded perlite or vermiculite,B. from 0 to 20% by weight of fibrous or granular inorganic additives andC. from 1 to 20% by weight of a heat-resistant organic high molecular weight binder, preferably a phenol-formaldehyde condensate,and which contain, as an additional binder C' to prevent water absorption, from 0.2 to 4% by weight of an alkylphenol/phenyl/formaldehyde condensate.The materials may be used as heat insulating materials or building materials.