Abstract: Emulsion copolymerization of acrylic or methacrylic acid esters with from 0.3 to 10% by weight of .alpha.,.beta.-monoolefinically unsaturated monocarboxylic acids and/or dicarboxylic acids and/or their amides, with or without up to 25% by weight of styrene, acrylonitrile, vinyl acetate and/or vinyl chloride, using the emulsion feed process, gives particularly concentrated copolymer dispersions if an emulsifier system of 0.01-5.0% by weight of a sulfuric acid half-ester of an oxyalkylated alkylphenol and 0.01-1% by weight of a dialkyl sulfosuccinate, where alkyl is of 6 to 18 carbon atoms, is employed and the polymerization is carried out at pH 2-6.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for insolubilizing casein coatings for leather utilizing alkoxy alkyl ureas. The coatings are cured in the presence of an acid catalyst. The casein coatings of the invention avoid the disadvantageous use of aldehydes such as formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde to cure the casein and reduce its water sensitivity and unexpectedly show improved wet abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A process for deliming hides, in which, instead of using conventional acids or acid salts, esters which hydrolyze under the conventional deliming conditions are employed. This avoids the disadvantages associated with an overdose of conventional deliming agents.