Abstract: A polymer comprising styrene or substituted-styrene and carboxylated monomer is prepared by a solution polymerization process, comprising first a polymerization step, followed by a neutralization step, and then a distillation step. The polymers have relatively low molecular weights, generally below about 10,000, and can have higher styrene content than has hither been possible. The polymers are found to have good soil release properties and so to be particularly useful in cleaning compositions for fabric or hard surface cleaning.

Abstract: A polymer comprising styrene or substituted-styrene and carboxylated monomer is prepared by a solution polymerization process, comprising first a polymerization step, followed by a neutralization step, and then a distillation step. The polymers have relatively low molecular weights, generally below about 10,000, and can have higher styrene content than has hither been possible. The polymers are found to have good soil release properties and so to be particularly useful in cleaning compositions for fabric or hard surface cleaning.

Abstract: A polymer comprising styrene or substituted-styrene and carboxylated monomer is prepared by a solution polymerization process, comprising first a polymerization step, followed by a neutralization step, and then a distillation step. The polymers have relatively low molecular weights, generally below about 10,000, and can have higher styrene content than has hither been possible. The polymers are found to have good soil release properties and so to be particularly useful in cleaning compositions for fabric or hard surface cleaning.

Abstract: Polymers can be prepared by polymerizing appropriate monomers in a substantially non-aqueous liquid medium comprising a detergent and/or an ester of a polyhydic alcohol. The invention also includes novel polymers which can be prepared by this process.

Abstract: A process for the polymerization of polymers of itaconic acid and vinyl acetate comprising the step of polymerizing(i) from 10 to 95 mole percent of monomer units of the formula I: ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, which may be the same or different, represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or an ethyl group, and M is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl (C.sub.1 to C.sub.18) chain or an organic group such as an amino containing functionality;(ii) from 5 to 90 mole percent of monomer units of the formula II: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom or the group --COCH.sub.3 ; and(iii) from 0 to 45 mole percent of a ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable comonomer, said polymerization being carried out using semi-batch polymerization procedures at a temperature of 60.degree. to 200.degree. C. in the presence of a substantially anhydrous alcoholic solvent.