Abstract: A low color or colorless polymaleate as determined by a Gardner color number of 8 or less, said polymaleate is prepared by aqueous solution polymerization of 70 to 99.9 weight percent of maleic acid, 0.1 to 30 weight percent of an allylic sulfonate monomer, and 0.5 to 50 &mgr;m, based on the moles of monomer, of a polyvalent transition metal ion selected from group consisting of Group IVA, VA, VIA, VIIA, VIIIA, IB, IIB, and combinations thereof, wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of monomer, provided that 10 to 60 mole percent of the carboxylic acid groups on the maleic acid are neutralized prior to polymerization. The low color or colorless polymaleates provide permanent press properties to textiles treated therewith and increases the resistance of such textiles to laundering abrasion. The polymaleates also may be used in cleaning compositions to disperse and suspend soils.

Abstract: This invention relates to a finishing process for cellulosic textiles which provides a textile having a desirable combination of inherent durable press properties, improved moisture content and improved wicking properties.

Abstract: An automatic dishwashing composition is presented having 0.01 to 90 percent by weight of a detergency builder and 0.1 to 20 percent by weight of at least one polymer, wherein said polymer or polymers comprises carboxylate groups and sulfonate groups. The composition is useful in liquid, tablet and granular compositions. The composition reduces filming and spotting of glass and plastics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-woven binder composition containing a copolymer having both an acid and a hydroxyl, amide or amine functionality. The invention also relates to the use of polyamines as crosslinkers for a polymer binder. The binder composition is especially useful for binding mineral fiber, and particularly as a fiberglass binder. The binder composition provides a strong, yet flexible bond, that allows a compressed fiberglass mat to easily expand once the compression is released.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel catalysts for use with a fiberglass non-woven binder. The catalyst can be a Lewis acid, an organic acid salt, a free-radical generator, or a mixture thereof. The catalyst provides stronger bonding, increased crosslinking density, reduced curing times, and reduced curing temperatures. Fiberglass mats made with polymer binder compositions containing the catalyst exhibit both flexibility and elasticity, allowing the mats to be compressed for storage, yet return to original thickness once the compressive forces are removed. Formaldehyde-free wood composites, such as plywood and fiberboard, may also be produced with polymer binder compositions containing the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven binder composition, containing an aqueous solution of a copolymer binder having both an acid functionality and a hydroxyl or amine functionality. The binder is especially useful as a binder for fiberglass fibers, to produce a fiberglass mat that is strongly bound, yet flexible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detergent composition having from 3 to 75 percent by weight of at least one surfactant; and from 0.01 to 5 percent by weight percent of a copolymer composed of from 25 to 75 mole percent of at least one amine-functional monomer, and from 75 to 25 mole percent of at least one hydrophobic ethylenically unsaturated monomer, wherein said amine-functional monomer is not a quaternized amine, and wherein said copolymer has been at least partially neutralized. The detergent composition having the copolymers provides color protection and anti-pill properties in laundry applications.

Abstract: A single-dose detergent formulation having a hydrophobically modified polymer and useful for either laundry or auto dishwashing applications is presented. The polymer consists of a hydrophilic backbone to which a hydrophobic moiety has been added by means of at least one hydrophobic monomer, chain transfer agent, or surfactant. The hydrophobically modified polymer is soluble in non-aqueous solvents, and useful in sachets or pouches for single-dose applications. The polymer also inhibits the corrosion of aluminum, and is therefore useful in applications such as cleaning and de-icing, or in a metal-working fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface protection composition comprising a polymer having at least one amide monomer unit, where the amide monomers are free of amine linkages. The invention is also directed to a substrate coated with the solution copolymer. Surfaces that benefit from the protection provided by a coating with the amide polymer include wood, metal, fabrics, textiles, hard surfaces, glass, ceramics, leather, hair and skin. The polymer coating helps prevent fading, and wear, provides UV protection, gives anti-pilling protection and anti-wrinkle in laundry detergent and fabric softener applications, and also provides a vehicle for the controlled release of actives. It is especially useful in protecting hard-surfaces such as glass, ceramic, and tiles.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymers whose water solubility may be triggered by changes in pH, salt concentration, concentration of surfactant or a combination of both. The polymer is a copolymer or terpolymer containing from 2 to 60 mole percent of an amine functionality that has been neutralized with a fixed acid. Specifically films formed from these polymers will be insoluble at a higher pH, but will become soluble at a lower pH. The polymers are also insoluble at a higher salt concentration, but become soluble at a lower salt concentration. The polymers can be used to coat or encapsulate active ingredients, that are released based on changes in the environment, such as in the rinse cycle of a dishwasher or laundry washing machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a finishing process for cellulosic textiles which provides a textile having a desirable combination of inherent durable press properties, improved moisture content and improved wicking properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an aqueous polymer composition comprising a copolymer and water, the copolymer containing at least one hydrophilic base or acid-neutralizable monomer and at least one hydrophobic ethylenically unsaturated monomer. A film formed from the contains essentially no crosslinking. The polymer composition is formed by polymerizing the hydrophilic monomer and hydrophobic monomer in a non-aqueous solvent; forming an aqueous polymer dispersion from the non-aqueous polymer solution, and adding a base or acid to form an aqueous polymer composition.

Abstract: A method to prevent the backstaining of denim during a stonewashing process comprising treating the denim with a solution or dispersion of a hydrophobically modified polymer having a hydrophilic backbone and at least one hydrophobic moiety, wherein said hydrophilic backbone is prepared from at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated hydrophilic monomer selected from the group consisting of amide, ether, alcohol, aldehyde, anhydride, ketone and ester; polymerizable hydrophilic cyclic monomer; non-ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable hydrophilic monomer which is selected from the group consisting of glycerol and other polyhydric alcohols; and combinations thereof, wherein said hydrophilic backbone is optionally substituted with one or more amino, amine, amide, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphonate, hydroxy, carboxyl or oxide groups; wherein said hydrophobic moiety is prepared from at least one hydrophobic monomer or a chain transfer agent, said hydrophobic monomer is selec

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a material to impart wrinkle reduction and temporary crease resistance thereto, and improve feel. The method involves: applying to said material a solution of a treatment composition in an amount effective to impart temporary crease and stain resistance, said fabric treatment composition comprising a hydroxy urea or hydroxy amide compound; and allowing said treatment composition to dry at ambient temperature, wherein said hydroxy urea compound comprises one urea and at least one hydroxyl group and said hydroxy amide compound comprises at least one amide group and at least one hydroxyl group. The material treatment is useful in reducing wrinkles in clothing, improving the feel of fabrics, and increasing the moisture adsorbence and retention in natural and synthetic fabrics.

Abstract: A powder detergent composition which is effective for removing and dispersing organic non-polar and polar soils from fabrics in wash liquors. The powder detergent composition comprises a polymer having a hydrophilic backbone and at least one hydrophobic moiety. The hydrophilic backbone is prepared from a monomer selected from ethylenically unsaturated hydrophilic monomers, polymerizable hydrophilic cyclic monomers, and non-ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable hydrophilic monomers selected from glycerol and other polyhydric alcohols. The hydrophobic moiety is prepared from a monomer selected from siloxanes, saturated or unsaturated alkyl and hydrophobic alkoxygroups, aryl and aryl-alkyl groups. The polymers also boost the cleaning performance of hard surface and dishware detergent compositions.

Abstract: An isotropic liquid detergent composition comprising at least one surfactant and from about 0.1 to about 75 weight percent, based on the total weight of the liquid detergent composition, of a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer having pendant acid functionality and a terminal fragment of a chain transfer agent, wherein the polymer is the polymerization product of a ethylenically unsaturated acid monomer and a C1 to C24 chain transfer agent. Unexpectedly, these polymers are compatible in isotropic liquid detergent formulations. When these polymers are used in a laundering process, they remove soil from textiles, inhibit soil redeposition onto textiles, and function as cobuilders by complexing metal ions present in hard water such as calcium and magnesium which otherwise may complex with the surfactants of a liquid detergent rendering the surfactants water-insoluble.

Abstract: A powder detergent composition which exhibits improved soil suspending properties on organic non-polar and polar soils in wash liquors. The powder detergent comprises a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer having pendant acid functionality and a terminal fragment of a chain transfer agent, wherein the polymer is the polymerization product of a ethylenically unsaturated acid monomer and a C1 to C24 chain transfer agent. The polymers also boost the cleaning performance of hard surface and dishware detergent compositions.

Abstract: A low color or colorless polymaleate as determined by a Gardner color number of 8 or less, said polymaleate is prepared by aqueous solution polymerization of 70 to 99.9 weight percent of maleic acid, 0.1 to 30 weight percent of an allylic sulfonate monomer, and 0.5 to 50 &mgr;m, based on the moles of monomer, of a polyvalent transition metal ion selected from group consisting of Group IVA, VA, VIA, VIIA, VIIIA, IB, IIB, and combinations thereof, wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of monomer, provided that 10 to 60 mole percent of the carboxylic acid groups on the maleic acid are neutralized prior to polymerization. The low color or colorless polymaleates provide permanent press properties to textiles treated therewith and increases the resistance of such textiles to laundering abrasion. The polymaleates also may be used in cleaning compositions to disperse and suspend soils.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a material to impart wrinkle reduction and temporary crease resistance thereto, and improve feel. The method involves: applying to said material a solution of a treatment composition in an amount effective to impart temporary crease and stain resistance, said treatment composition contains a hydroxy urea or hydroxy amide compound; and allowing said treatment composition to dry at ambient temperature, wherein said hydroxy urea compound comprises one urea and at least one hydroxyl group and said hydroxy amide compound comprises at least one amide group and at least one hydroxyl group. The material treatment is useful in reducing wrinkles in clothing, improving the feel of fabrics, and increasing the moisture adsorbence and retention in natural and synthetic fabrics.

Abstract: An isotropic liquid detergent composition comprising at least one surfactant and from about 0.1 to about 75 weight percent, based on the total weight of the liquid detergent composition, of a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer having pendant acid functionality and a terminal fragment of a chain transfer agent, wherein the polymer is the polymerization product of a ethylenically unsaturated acid monomer and a C1 to C24 chain transfer agent. Unexpectedly, these polymers are compatible in isotropic liquid detergent formulations. When these polymers are used in a laundering process, they remove soil from textiles, inhibit soil redeposition onto textiles, and function as cobuilders by complexing metal ions present in hard water such as calcium and magnesium which otherwise may complex with the surfactants of a liquid detergent rendering the surfactants water-insoluble.