Abstract: A colloid composition is presented which contains an amphiphilic star polymer having potentially crosslinkable sites on the polymer backbone. The potentially crosslinkable site is either a sterically hindered silane monomer or an acetoacetoxy-containing monomer. When the crosslinkable site is a sterically hindered silane monomer the star polymer also contains an internal catalyst, and when the crosslinkable site is an acetoacetoxy group the colliod composition also contains a non-polymeric polyfunctional amine. The star polymer can be either a random or heteroarm star polymer. The colloid composition is useful in the formation and stabilization of emulsion polymers, as a replacement for surfactants currently used for this purpose. Emulsion polymers formulated with the colloid composition are especially useful for one-part coatings such as paints and adhesives.