Abstract: The hair setting shampoo composition of the invention comprises a resin provided by about 1-15% by weight of about a 20-50% resin active alcoholic solution of the alkyl half-ester of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer having a molecular weight of at least one million, which is about 5-90% neutralized, preferably with about 0.01-1% by weight of 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, about 5-60% by weight of a surfactant, optionally 0-10% by weight of added ethanol, and about 30-90% by weight of water. The composition provides a subtle temporary set on hair of the user without the use of auxiliary fixatives in the composition.

Abstract: The mousse hair composition of the invention comprises a resin provided by about 3-15% by weight of about a 20-50% alcoholic solution of the half-alkyl ester of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer having a molecular weight of at least one million, which is about 5-90% neutralized, preferably with about 0.15-1.0% by weight of ammonium hydroxide, about 60-95% by weight of water, about 0.3-2.0% by weight of a surfactant, and about 0-30% by weight of added ethanol.

Abstract: Terpolymers of maleic anhydride, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl vinyl ether and a C.sub.12 -C.sub.14 alpha-olefin, and crosslinked products thereof, are provided herein for use in thickener, adhesive, sunscreen, hair spray, and waterproofing compositions. The alpha-olefin comonomer is a hydrophobic, straight chain, unsaturated hydrocarbon such as dodecene or tetradecene, which is present in the terpolymer in predetermined amounts relative to the hydrophilic maleic anhydride component, to provide a terpolymer having a suitable HLB for these applications.

Abstract: Slurry copolymerization of maleic anhydride with (meth)acrylic acid and, optionally, with C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl vinyl ether in a cosolvent system of cyclohexane and ethyl acetate yields a pumpable slurry, from which uniform, fine, white powders having a predetermined weight average molecular weight of about 10,000 to one million, preferably about 30,000 to 400,000, are obtained.

Abstract: What is described herein are polymerizable pyrrolidonyl 4,5-unsubstituted oxazoline monomers, homopolymers thereof, and copolymers with other monomers. A preferred polymerizable monomer compound is 2-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidon-4-yl)-2-oxazoline. The polymers herein have excellent hydrotropic properties thus increasing the water solubility of organic compounds previously considered as water insoluble, and exhibit complexation with water soluble cosolutes.

Abstract: What is described herein are polymerizable pyrrolidonyl 4,5-unsubstituted oxazoline monomers, homopolymers thereof, and copolymers with other monomers. A preferred polymerizable monomer compound is 2-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidon-4-yl)-2- oxazoline. The polymers herein have excellent hydrotropic properties thus increasing the water solubility of organic compounds previously considered as water insoluble, and exhibit complexation with water soluble consolutes.

Abstract: Substantially benzene-free copolymers of maleic anhydride and alkyl vinyl ethers having benzene present in an amount of less than 1 ppm and toluene present in an amount of about 2.0 wt. % or less are provided by treating the copolymer powder with toluene at a temperature of about 115.degree. C. to about 125.degree. C.

Abstract: What is described herein are polymerizable pyrrolidonyl 4,5-unsubstituted oxazoline monomers, homopolymers thereof, and copolymers with other monomers. A preferred polymerizable monomer compound is 2-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidon-4-yl)-2-oxazoline. The polymers herein have excellent hydrotropic properties thus increasing the water solubility of organic compounds previously considered as water insoluble, and exhibit complexation with water soluble cosolutes.