Abstract: A process for polymerization of vinyl monomers is described comprising polymerizing vinyl monomers in the presence of of an initiating system comprising (i) an organic sulfur compound and (ii) an onium salt catalyst. The present invention provides a novel method for living polymerization of vinyl monomers, which provides a high level of macromolecular control over the polymerization process and which leads to uniform and controllable polymeric products.

Abstract: A new polymerization process (atom transfer radical polymerization, or ATRP) based on a redox reaction between a transition metal (e.g., Cu(I)/Cu(II), provides “living” or controlled radical polymerization of styrene, (meth)acrylates, and other radically polymerizable monomers. Using various simple organic halides as model halogen atom transfer precursors (initiators) and transition metal complexes as a model halogen atom transfer promoters (catalysts), a “living” radical polymerization affords (co)polymers having the predetermined number average molecular weight by &Dgr;[M]/[I]0 (up to Mn>105) and a surprisingly narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn), as low as 1.15. The participation of free radical intermediates in ATRP is supported by end-group analysis and stereochemistry of the polymerization. In addition, polymers with various topologies (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a splayed layered material comprising a layered material splayed with a highly branched polymer. Additional embodiments include a splayed layered material comprising a matrix polymer and layered material wherein said layered material is splayed with a highly branched polymer, an article comprising the splayed layered material in a matrix, and an exfoliated material.

Abstract: A process for making hyperbranched polymers from An—Lz(XY)m type monomers wherein A is a polymerizable group moiety, XY is a telogen group moiety in which Y is a transferable atom or group which can participate in a transfer reaction with the formation of reactive X*, L is a linkage between A and XY, z is 0 or 1, and n and m are integers of at least 1, comprising: (a) initiating reaction by forming activated species from reaction between either an A or an XY group of the An—Lz(XY)m type monomer and an external stimulus to form activated monomer species with an activated polymerizable group moiety A* or an activated moiety X* derived from the telogen group moiety XY; and (b) polymer segment chain growth by (i) propagation reaction between the polymerizable group A moieties of the An—Lz(XY)m type monomers with the activated moieties A* and X* of activated species, and further reaction between the polymerizable group moieties with the activated moieties of the reaction products thereof, and (ii

Abstract: Improved processes for atom (or group) transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and novel polymers have been developed and are described. In certain embodiments, novel copolymers comprising a least one polymeric branch or polymeric block with a predominantly alternating monomer sequence are described. Novel copolymers comprising a least one polymeric branch or polymeric block with a gradient monomer structure are described. Additionally, novel copolymers comprising a least one polymeric branch or polymeric block with a predominantly periodic monomer sequence are also described. Novel copolymers having a water soluble backbone and at least two hydrophobic polymeric branches grafted to the water soluble backbone are also described.

Abstract: A new polymerization process (atom transfer radical polymerization, or ATRP) based on a redox reaction between a transition metal (e.g., Cu(I)/Cu(II), provides “living” or controlled radical polymerization of styrene, (meth)acrylates, and other radically polymerizable monomers. Using various simple organic halides as model halogen atom transfer precursors (initiators) and transition metal complexes as a model halogen atom transfer promoters (catalysts), a “living” radical polymerization affords (co)polymers having the predetermined number average molecular weight by &Dgr;[M]/[I]0 (up to Mn>105) and a surprisingly narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn), as low as 1.15. The participation of free radical intermediates in ATRP is supported by end-group analysis and stereochemistry of the polymerization. In addition, polymers with various topologies (e.g.

Abstract: A process for making hyperbranched polymers from An-Lz(XY)m type monomers wherein A is a polymerizable group moiety, XY is a telogen group moiety in which Y is a transferable atom or group which can participate in a transfer reaction with the formation of reactive X*, L is a linkage between A and XY, z is 0 or 1, and n and m are integers of at least 1, comprising: (a) initiating reaction by forming activated species from reaction between either an A or an XY group of the An-Lz(XY)m type monomer and an external stimulus to form activated monomer species with an activated polymerizable group moiety A* or an activated moiety X* derived from the telogen group moiety XY; and (b) polymer segment chain growth by (i) propagation reaction between the polymerizable group A moieties of the An-Lz(XY)m type monomers with the activated moieties A* and X* of activated species, and further reaction between the polymerizable group moieties with the activated moieties of the reaction products thereof, and (ii) chain transfer r

Abstract: An ink jet ink composition of water, a dye, a humectant and a hyperbranched polymer.

Abstract: An ink jet ink composition comprising water, a pigment, a humectant and a hyperbranched polymer having end groups consisting essentially of hydrophilic moieties, said hyperbranched polymer having the following formula:

Abstract: An ink jet printing method having the steps of: I) providing an ink jet printer that is responsive to digital data signals; II) loading the printer with an ink jet recording element having a support having thereon an image-receiving layer; III) loading the printer with an ink jet ink composition having water, a dye, a humectant and a hyperbranched polymer; and IV) printing on the image-receiving layer using the ink jet ink composition in response to the digital data signals.

Abstract: An ink jet printing method having the steps of: I) providing an ink jet printer that is responsive to digital data signals; II) loading the printer with an ink jet recording element having a support having thereon an image-receiving layer; III) loading the printer with an ink jet ink composition of water, a pigment, a humectant and a hyperbranched polymer having end groups having hydrophilic moieties, the hyperbranched polymer having the following formula: HB—Xg wherein: HB is a hyperbranched polymer core; X is a hydrophilic end group; and g is an integer of at least 2; and IV) printing on the image-receiving layer using the ink jet ink composition in response to the digital data signals.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of soluble hyperbranched polyamides is disclosed comprising the steps of combining multifunctional monomer reactants comprising amine and carboxylic acid functional groups in a reactor with water, and reacting amine and carboxylic acid functional groups of the multi-functional monomers at elevated temperature and pressure for a period of time sufficient to form a highly branched polyamide. The present invention advantageously provides a simple, practical, and environmentally friendly process for the manufacture of soluble hyperbranched polyamides comprising multifunctional in-chain and/or end groups. The present invention also provides a process for the manufacture of soluble hyperbranched polyamides from monomers with a broad range of the ratio of functional amine groups to acid groups.

Abstract: Highly branched polyamides prepared in a single step procedure of condensation polymerization of multifunctional monomer reactants comprising amine and carboxylic acid functional groups. Polymerization proceeds by reaction of an amine group of a first monomer unit with an acid group of a second monomer unit to form a reaction product having an amide linkage between the first and second monomer units and repetition of such amidation reaction between additional amine groups and acid groups of the multi-functional monomers and reaction products of the multi-functional monomers. In the present invention, in order to obtain a water soluble or dispersible hyperbranched polyamide, at least one of the multifunctional monomer unit reactants contains an amine, phosphine, arsenine or sulfide group, such that the highly branched polyamide contains in the backbone thereof an N, P, As or S atom capable of forming an onium ion.

Abstract: An ink jet ink composition of water, a humectant, and a hyperbranched polymeric dye of a hyperbranched polymer having a dye chromophore pendant on the polymer chain or incorporated into the polymer backbone.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of soluble hyperbranched polyamides is disclosed comprising the steps of combining multifunctional monomer reactants comprising amine and carboxylic acid functional groups in a reactor with water, and reacting amine and carboxylic acid functional groups of the multi-functional monomers at elevated temperature and pressure for a period of time sufficient to form a highly branched polyamide. The present invention advantageously provides a simple, practical, and environmentally friendly process for the manufacture of soluble hyperbranched polyamides comprising multifunctional in-chain and/or end groups. The present invention also provides a process for the manufacture of soluble hyperbranched polyamides from monomers with a broad range of the ratio of functional amine groups to acid groups.

Abstract: A polymerization process for producing highly branched polyesters is disclosed comprising reacting functional groups A and B of multi-functional branching monomer reactants of the formula A—L—Bn, where one of A and B represents an epoxide group, the other of A and B represents an acid chloride group, L represents a linking group between A and B, and n is at least 2. In accordance with a specific embodiment of the invention, branched polyesters are obtained which have a number average molecular weight of at least 1000 and a ratio of weight average molecular weight to number average molecular weight of less than 2. The invention provides a process for producing highly branched polyesters in one reaction step. The invention has the capability of making highly branched structures of high molecular weight and low polydispersity and has the advantages of not requiring multi-step reactions and purification.

Abstract: A new polymerization process (atom transfer radical polymerization, or ATRP) based on a redox reaction between a transition metal (e.g., Cu(I)/Cu(II), provides “living” or controlled radical polymerization of styrene, (meth)acrylates, and other radically polymerizable monomers. Using various simple organic halides as model halogen atom transfer precursors (initiators) and transition metal complexes as a model halogen atom transfer promoters (catalysts), a “living” radical polymerization affords (co)polymers having the predetermined number average molecular weight by &Dgr;[M]/[I]0 (up to Mn>105) and a surprisingly narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) as low as 1.15. The participation of free radical intermediates in ATRP is supported by end-group analysis and stereochemistry of the polymerization. In addition, polymers with various topologies (e.g.

Abstract: An ink jet printing method having the steps of: A) providing an ink jet printer that is responsive to digital data signals; B) loading the printer with an ink-receiving element having a support having thereon an ink-receiving layer; loading the printer with an ink jet composition of water, a humectant, and a hyperbranched polymeric dye having a hyperbranched polymer having a dye chromophore pendant on the polymer chain or incorporated into the polymer backbone; and D) printing on the ink-receiving layer using the inkjet ink in response to the digital data signals.

Abstract: An overcoat composition for imaging products containing: 30-95 weight %, based on the dry laydown of the overcoat, of a hydrophobic polymer, said hydrophobic polymer being homopolymers or copolymers containing at least 30% by weight, based on the total weight of monomers, of the monomer described in structurel; and 5 to 70 weight %, based on the dry laydown of the overcoat, of gelatin: wherein: R is H, CH3, C2H5, and C3H7; and X1, X2, X3, X4 and X5 are H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, CH3O, C2H5O, C3H7O, C4H9O, CH3, C2H5, C3H7, n-C4H9, sec-C4H9, tert-C4H9, CF3, C2F5, C3F7, iso-C3F7, n-C4F9, sec-C4F9, tert-C4F9, CH3NH, (CH3)2N, n-C5H11, C4H9, n-C6H13, n-C7H15, n-C8H17, n-C9H19, n-C10H21, or n-C12H25.

Abstract: A new polymerization process (atom transfer radical polymerization, or ATRP) based on a redox reaction between a transition metal (e.g., Cu(I)/Cu(II), provides “living” or controlled radical polymerization of styrene, (meth)acrylates, and other radically polymerizable monomers. Using various simple organic halides as model halogen atom transfer precursors (initiators) and transition metal complexes as a model halogen atom transfer promoters (catalysts), a “living” radical polymerization affords (co)polymers having the predetermined number average molecular weight by &Dgr;[M]/[I]0 (up to Mn>105) and a surprisingly narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn), as low as 1.15. The participation of free radical intermediates in ATRP is supported by end-group analysis and stereochemistry of the polymerization. In addition, polymers with various topologies (e.g.