Abstract: Silicone-in-water emulsions are prepared using a silicone polyether as the surfactant. The resulting emulsions are stable in an aqueous media in the presence of salts such as electrolytes, alcohols, solvents, and combinations thereof. The silicone-in-water emulsions are prepared by polymerizing silicon atom containing monomers in water containing the monomer, a silicone polyether, a catalyst, and optionally an organic surfactant(s), until a silicone polymer of a desired molecular weight is obtained. The silicone-in-water emulsions possess utility as additives in various coating products, personal care products, household care products, automotive care products, and petroleum products.

Abstract: A method of modifying the surface characteristics of a substrate having a surface with an amide-functional polymer thereon. The method involves contacting the amide-functional polymer with a source of hydroxide ions and a source of hypohalite ions at a temperature of at least about 20° C. for a time effective to convert at least a portion of the amide-functional groups to amine-functional groups to form a substrate surface comprising an amine-functional polymer, wherein the hydroxide ions are present in a molar excess relative to the hypohalite ions and at a concentration of no more than about 0.1 M, based on the total volume of the reaction mixture. A biomolecule is attached to the resultant amine-functional polymer.