Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising polymer particles and functionalized stimulus responsive polymer; the polymer particles (i) comprising block co-polymer, and (ii) having a core-shell structure, said block co-polymer comprising (a) a non-stimulus responsive polymer block that forms at least part of the core structure, and (b) a stimulus responsive polymer block that forms at least part of the shell structure; wherein the stimulus responsive polymer of both the polymer particles and the functionalized stimulus responsive polymer are responsive to at least one common stimulus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising polymer particles and functionalised stimulus responsive polymer; the polymer particles (i) comprising block co-polymer, and (ii) having a core-shell structure, said block co-polymer comprising (a) a non-stimulus responsive polymer block that forms at least part of the core structure, and (b) a stimulus responsive polymer block that forms at least part of the shell structure; wherein the stimulus responsive polymer of both the polymer particles and the functionalised stimulus responsive polymer are responsive to at least one common stimulus.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel dendritic molecules and methods of making them. The dendritic molecules comprise arms, each of which arms is a polymer. The dendritic molecules can be synthesised by way of a reasonably small number of versatile and reliable step-wise reactions, especially click chemistry reactions. Chemical and structural heterogeneity is possible in the dendritic molecule. The invention also provides for surface and interior functionalisation of the molecule.

Abstract: Process for forming a modified polymer having unsaturated carbon/carbon bonds including taking or making a colloidal dispersion of the polymer in an aqueous medium, swelling the polymer in the colloidal particles with at least one polymerizable monomer having a solubility in water of less than 10−3 molar, and inducing a free-radical polymerization of the monomer(s) within the swollen colloidal particles of the polymer such that the monomer enters into a grafting reaction with the polymer. The process is particularly appropriate for preparation of modified natural rubber latex.