Abstract: Methods for making a heterogeneous polymer blend comprising one or more anionic polymers, one or more cationic polymers, and one or more non-ionic polymers, which method comprises (a) adding to a non-neutral solution a first amount of polymerization initiator and one or more anionic or cationic monomers, wherein each monomer has the same charge; (b) adding a second amount of the polymerization initiator and one or more non-ionic monomers; (c) adding a third amount of the polymerization initiator and one or more ionic monomers that are oppositely charged from the monomers of (a); adding stepwise, a fourth amount of the polymerization initiator to react any residual monomer, and (e) neutralizing the resulting polymer blend. Also claimed are heterogeneous polymer blends containing polymers formed from one or more anionic, cationic, and non-ionic monomers, either polymerized in situ or separately and then combined.

Abstract: Methods for making a heterogeneous polymer blend comprising one or more anionic polymers, one or more cationic polymers, and one or more non-ionic polymers, which method comprises (a) adding to a non-neutral solution a first amount of polymerization initiator and one or more anionic or cationic monomers, wherein each monomer has the same charge; (b) adding a second amount of the polymerization initiator and one or more non-ionic monomers; (c) adding a third amount of the polymerization initiator and one or more ionic monomers that are oppositely charged from the monomers of (a); adding stepwise, a fourth amount of the polymerization initiator to react any residual monomer, and (e) neutralizing the resulting polymer blend. Also claimed are heterogeneous polymer blends containing polymers formed from one or more anionic, cationic, and non-ionic monomers, either polymerized in situ or separately and then combined.

Abstract: A hydrophobic filler material for neutral, alkaline and acidic papers is disclosed. The filler material comprises finely divided particles of an inorganic material, in admixture with a water miscible, butyl acrylate-acrylonitrile copolymer. A neutral or alkaline paper is disclosed. The neutral or alkaline paper comprises a hydrophobic filler material comprising inorganic material, in admixture with a water miscible, butyl acrylate-acrylonitrile copolymer. A method for improving sizing characteristics of neutral or alkaline paper is disclosed, comprising preparing a filler material and adding the same to cellulose fiber. The filler material is prepared by selecting particles of an inorganic material and admixing with a water miscible, butyl acrylate-acrylonitrile copolymer, forming a hydrophobic system.