Abstract: A process for the preparation of emulsion polymers comprising 70 to 95% by weight of a vinyl ester and 5 to 30% by weight ethylene, the polymerization being carried out in the presence of 2 to 8% by weight of a protective colloid consisting of a blend of 1 to 3 percent by weight of 80% hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, 0 to 2 percent by weight of 88% hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol and 1 to 3 percent by weight of 96% hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, the blend having an average level of hydrolysis of 85 to 88%.

Abstract: This invention is an emulsion polymer for use as a redispersible pressure sensitive adhesive and a process for making the emulsion polymer. The polymer is the emulsion polymerization reaction product of one or more neutralized ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomers, one or more alkyl acrylates or methacrylates, and optionally, one or more vinyl containing monomers. The carboxylic acid functionality is either neutralized before initiation of polymerization, concurrently with the polymerization, or partially before and partially during polymerization. The polymerization occurs in the presence of a polyalkylene oxide plasticizer, having a molecular weight greater than 3000. In other embodiments, the invention is the water redispersible pressure sensitive adhesive made with the polymer, and a repulpable substrate made with the polymer.

Abstract: Improved base coatings for use on paper substrates to be vacuum metallized consist essentially of an organic solvent solution (e.g. ethyl acetate or ethyl acetate/toluene) containing about 10-30 wt. % of a film-forming coating mixture of (a) about 90-98 wt. % of a vinyl acetate/acrylic acid copolymer (97.5-99/1-2.5%) or a vinyl acetate/monoethyl maleate copolymer (94-97/3-6%) and (b) about 2-10 wt. % of a soluble nitrocellulose resin solids, the resin being soluble in the solvent and having a nitrogen content of about 12 wt. % and a viscosity of from about 4-5 sec. in a 25% solution to about 3-4 sec. in a 20% solution of ethyl alcohol/toluene/ethyl acetate (25/55/20), when measured using the Falling Ball method.Paper products coated with the base coating (about 2-6 lbs./3000 ft..sup.2) are characterized by a balanced combination of alkali removability, water-resistance, and block-resistance. The metallized products are smooth and glossy, and the aluminized product is especially useful for bottle labels.

Abstract: High strength pigment binders for paper coating having increased water retention and stability are disclosed. The coating compositions comprise an aqueous synthetic polymer latex and pigment and may contain other additives used in the art of pigmented paper coating. The latex comprises a dispersed interpolymer of a vinyl ester, a polyethylenically unsaturated comonomer and a ethylenically unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acid and optionally an alkyl acrylate.