Abstract: Reactive liquids diluent and reactive dispersing agents for fluid concentrates, colorants and coating compositions, wherein the reactive liquid diluent and reactive dispersing agents have a viscosity less than 1,000 cps and contain at least one molecular species having at least three reactive unsaturated sites. The reactive liquid diluent or dispersing agent may be included a coating composition to form an interpenetrating polymer network in, or crosslink with, a pigmented coating composition containing a film-forming polymeric binder.

Abstract: Fluid concentrates, colorants and coating compositions contain solid pigment particles dispersed in a nonvolatilizing, reactive liquid diluent having a viscosity less than 1,000 cps and containing at least one molecular species having at least three reactive unsaturated sites. The reactive liquid diluent may serve as one or more of a dispersing medium for the solid pigment particles, a carrier, a coalescent and a humectant, and may crosslink or otherwise cure to form an interpenetrating polymer network in, or crosslink with, a pigmented coating composition containing a film-forming polymeric binder. Embodiments of the reactive liquid diluent can provide colorants and coating compositions having reduced levels of VOCs, conventional carriers, conventional dispersants, conventional coalescents and conventional humectants.

Abstract: Fluid concentrates, colorants and coating compositions contain solid pigment particles dispersed in a nonvolatilizing, reactive liquid diluent having a viscosity less than 1,000 cps and containing at least one molecular species having at least three reactive unsaturated sites. The reactive liquid diluent may serve as one or more of a dispersing medium for the solid pigment particles, a carrier, a coalescent and a humectant, and may crosslink or otherwise cure to form an interpenetrating polymer network in, or crosslink with, a pigmented coating composition containing a film-forming polymeric binder. Embodiments of the reactive liquid diluent can provide colorants and coating compositions having reduced levels of VOCs, conventional carriers, conventional dispersants, conventional coalescents and conventional humectants.

Abstract: Fluid concentrates, colorants and coating compositions contain solid pigment particles dispersed in a nonvolatilizing, reactive liquid diluent having a viscosity less than 1,000 cps and containing at least one molecular species having at least three reactive unsaturated sites. The reactive liquid diluent may serve as one or more of a dispersing medium for the solid pigment particles, a carrier, a coalescent and a humectant, and may crosslink or otherwise cure to form an interpenetrating polymer network in, or crosslink with, a pigmented coating composition containing a film-forming polymeric binder. Embodiments of the reactive liquid diluent can provide colorants and coating compositions having reduced levels of VOCs, conventional carriers, conventional dispersants, conventional coalescents and conventional humectants.

Abstract: A coating composition is provided that is preferably substantially free of bisphenol A. The coating composition is useful in coating metal substrates such as, for example, interior and/or exterior surfaces of food or beverage cans. In some embodiments, the coating composition is formulated using an acrylic polymer that is formed form ingredients that do not include styrene.

Abstract: Fluid concentrates, colorants and coating compositions contain solid pigment particles dispersed in a nonvolatilizing, reactive liquid diluent having a viscosity less than 1,000 cps and containing at least one molecular species having at least three reactive unsaturated sites. The reactive liquid diluent may serve as one or more of a dispersing medium for the solid pigment particles, a carrier, a coalescent and a humectant, and may crosslink or otherwise cure to form an interpenetrating polymer network in, or crosslink with, a pigmented coating composition containing a film-forming polymeric binder. Embodiments of the reactive liquid diluent can provide colorants and coating compositions having reduced levels of VOCs, conventional carriers, conventional dispersants, conventional coalescents and conventional humectants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer membrane composition having improved water flux and stable pore size. The water flux is improved by increasing the hydrophilicity of the membrane using a matrix polymer blended with controlled architecture amphiphilic block copolymers. Preferred membranes are those having a fluoropolymer matrix and acrylic amphiphilic block copolymers. The addition of the amphiphilic block copolymers are especially useful in microfiltration and ultra filtration membranes when used in water filtration.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymer particle dispersion in an aqueous medium and a method of making the same, which comprises an emulsion polymerized polymer and a macroinitiator covalently bonded to the emulsion polymerized polymer. The living macroinitiator comprises a hydrophilic, pH-insensitive monomer in reacted form. The polymer particle dispersion may be obtained by reacting at least one monomer with the living macroinitiator and without a surfactant to effect polymerization of the monomer(s). The emulsion polymerized polymer may be comprised of at least one additional ethylenically unsaturated monomer in polymerized form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a class of acid functionalized gradient block copolymers, processes for obtaining them and to their uses including but not limited to hair fixatives, toughening agents, and adhesives. Surprisingly, the applicants have discovered the aforementioned class of acid functionalized gradient block copolymers have advantageous properties and can find utility in a wide variety of application areas. These polymers are easily prepared by sequential monomer addition (i.e., “one-pot” synthesis) and the process does not require any post polymerization modification steps. The aforementioned polymers are derived from commonly utilized monomers. The use of common monomers provides both an economic advantage and an inherent safety advantage, e.g., the common monomers are considered biocompatible.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymer particle dispersion in an aqueous medium and a method of making the same, which comprises an emulsion polymerized polymer and a macroinitiator covalently bonded to the emulsion polymerized polymer. The living macroinitiator comprises a hydrophilic, pH-insensitive monomer in reacted form. The polymer particle dispersion may be obtained by reacting at least one monomer with the living macroinitiator and without a surfactant to effect polymerization of the monomer(s). The emulsion polymerized polymer may be comprised of at least one additional ethylenically unsaturated monomer in polymerized form.

Abstract: Methods for the preparation of low surface energy block co-polymers are disclosed. The block co-polymers comprise at least two blocks, each of which comprises, in polymerized form, an acrylic monomer, a methacrylic monomer, or a mixture thereof. At least one block is a low surface energy block, which comprises, in polymerized form, a low surface energy monomer. Low surface energy macroinitiators useful in forming the block co-polymers are also disclosed. The block co-polymers may be prepared by nitroxide mediated controlled free radical polymerization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer membrane composition having improved water flux and stable pore size. The water flux is improved by increasing the hydrophilicity of the membrane using a matrix polymer blended with controlled architecture amphiphilic block copolymers. Preferred membranes are those having a fluoropolymer matrix and acrylic amphiphilic block copolymers. The addition of the amphiphilic block copolymers are especially useful in microfiltration and ultra filtration membranes when used in water filtration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a class of acid functionalized gradient block copolymers, processes for obtaining them and to their uses including but not limited to hair fixatives, toughening agents, and adhesives. Surprisingly, the applicant has discovered the aforementioned class of acid functionalized gradient block copolymers have advantageous properties and can find utility in a wide variety of application areas. These polymers are easily prepared by sequential monomer addition (i.e., “one-pot” synthesis) and the process does not require any post polymerization modification steps. The aforementioned polymers are derived from commonly utilized monomers. The use of common monomers provides both an economic advantage and an inherent safety advantage, e.g., the common monomers are considered biocompatible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high productivity process for the production of rubber latex particles. This improved productivity process involves using a seeded grow-out process to prepare polybutadiene rubber latex. The use of a pre-formed seed latex reduces cycle time relative to an in situ polybutadiene seed process. It also provides better particle size control. The rubber latex particles can be used for impact modification of thermoplastic compositions.

Abstract: Methods for the preparation of low surface energy block co-polymers are disclosed. The block co-polymers comprise at least two blocks, each of which comprises, in polymerized form, an acrylic monomer, a methacrylic monomer, or a mixture thereof. At least one block is a low surface energy block, which comprises, in polymerized form, a low surface energy monomer Low surface energy macroinitiators useful in forming the block co-polymers are also disclosed. The block co-polymers may be prepared by nitroxide mediated controlled free radical polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic/natural cellulosic fiber composite, and more specifically to a high molecular weight compatibilizer within that composite resulting in both a high flex strength and high modulus and significant reduction in water absorption. The compatibilizer is preferably a terpolymer comprising: a) 0.5-20 percent by weight of monomer units selected from the group consisting of maleic anhydride, substituted maleic anhydride, mono-ester of maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride, maleic acid, fumaric acid, crotonic acid, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid; b) 0 to 40 percent by weight of monomer units selected from styrene and functionalized styrene; and c) 40 to 98.5 percent by weight of monomer units selected from the group consisting of C1-8 alkyl acrylates and methacrylates, and vinyl acetate.