Abstract: Stable, non-aqueous solvent solutions of acid-functional polymers are prepared by:(a) reacting, in the presence of an esterification catalyst, a hydroxy-functional acrylic polymer with a cyclic carboxylic anhydride at a reaction temperature from about 35.degree. C. to about 76.degree. C. thereby forming an acid-functional polymer having ester groups and carboxylic acid groups; and(b) maintaining the reaction of the anhydride and hydroxyl groups until the desired amount of acid functionality on the acid-functional polymer has been obtained; and then(c) adding to said acid-functional polymer a stabilizing amount of a low-molecular weight alcohol solvent under conditions which will not cause substantial reaction of the solvent and the acid-functional polymer.

Abstract: Curable compositions which comprise:(i) an acid-functional compound having an average of at least two carboxylic acid groups per molecule; and(ii) an anhydride-functional compound having an average of at least two cyclic carboxylic acid anhdyride groups per molecule; and(iii) an epoxy-functional compound having an average of at least one epoxy group per molecule; and(iv) a hydroxy-functional compound having an average of at least two hydroxyl groups per molecule;wherein at least one of the compounds (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) comprises a film forming polymer.

Abstract: Novel carboxylic acid-functional polymers are obtained by reacting:(a) a hydroxy-functional polymer having an average of at least two hydroxyl groups per molecule; and(b) a cyclic anhydride under reaction conditions to produce acid groups and ester groups; andwherein the hydroxy-functional polymer is obtained by the copolymerization of:(i) 1-95 weight percent of a cellulose ester; and(ii) 5-99 weight percent of at least one ethylenically unsaturated alcohol copolymerizable with the cellulose acetate butyrate; and(iii) 0-94 weight percent of at least one other ethylenically unsaturated monomer copolymerizable with the cellulose ester and the ethylenically unsaturated alcohol.Curable compositions especially useful as coatings are prepared by mixing the novel carboxylic acid-functional polymers with epoxy-functional compounds and, optionally, with anhydride-functional compounds and, optionally, hydroxy-functional compounds. The coatings are especially useful in clearcoat/basecoat compositions.

Abstract: A mixture comprising a dispersion of a water-diffusible solid in a solution of a non-aqueous solvent and a substantially water-insoluble polymer is formed. The non-aqueous solvent is removed from the mixture to substantially dry the mixture, and the substantially dry mixture is comminuted to form particles. A plurality of the particles are formed under pressure to produce a pellet suitable for use as a sustained release implant device.

Abstract: A controlled release implant composition which includes a core comprising a macromolecular drug and a water insoluble polymer and a homogeneous outer polymeric membrane formed by coating said core with an organic solution of a water insoluble polymer and a water soluble pore-forming agent.