Abstract: A multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer comprising one or more functionalized ethylenically unsaturated monomer into the emulsion polymerization reactor, wherein the functionality is selected from the group consisting of ?-keto esters, ?-keto amides, ?-diketones, cyanoacetic esters, malonates, nitroalkanes, ?-nitro esters, sulfonazides, thiols, thiol-s-triazines, and amine, where the functionality is incorporated into polymers by polymerizing, ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing these functionalities or by post functionalization of a polymer with additional reactions after polymerization in one of the first or second stages. Foamable halogenated polymers comprising the multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer is also provided. Also provided are methods for making the multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer and foamable halogenated polymers.

Abstract: A multi-stage polymer composition comprising a crosslinked core having a Tg of from ?85 to ?10° C.; an intermediate region which comprises one or more intermediate layers, wherein each of the intermediate layers comprises from 88.5 to 99.9 weight percent of units derived from a one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers, from 0 to 5 weight percent of units derived from a cross-linking monomer, a graft-linking monomer, or a combination of two or more thereof, optionally from 0 to 2 weight percent units derived from one or more chain transfer agents; wherein there is a compositional gradient between the intermediate layers such that the Tg transitions from ?30° C. to 70° C. over the width of the intermediate region, and an outermost layer which has a Tg of from 40° C. to 110° C. is provided.

Abstract: A multi-stage polymer composition comprising a crosslinked core having a Tg of from ?85 to ?10° C.; an intermediate region which comprises one or more intermediate layers, wherein each of the intermediate layers comprises from 88.5 to 99.9 weight percent of units derived from a one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers, from 0 to 5 weight percent of units derived from a cross-linking monomer, a graft-linking monomer, or a combination of two or more thereof, optionally from 0 to 2 weight percent units derived from one or more chain transfer agents; wherein there is a compositional gradient between the intermediate layers such that the Tg transitions from ?30° C. to 70° C. over the width of the intermediate region, and an outermost layer which has a Tg of from 40° C. to 110° C. is provided.

Abstract: A multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer comprising one or more functionalized ethylenically unsaturated monomer into the emulsion polymerization reactor, wherein the functionality is selected from the group consisting of ?-keto esters, ?-keto amides, ?-diketones, cyanoacetic esters, malonates, nitroalkanes, ?-nitro esters, sulfonazides, thiols, thiol-s-triazines, and amine, where the functionality is incorporated into polymers by polymerizing, ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing these functionalities or by post functionalization of a polymer with additional reactions after polymerization in one of the first or second stages. Foamable halogenated polymers comprising the multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer is also provided. Also provided are methods for making the multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer and foamable halogenated polymers.

Abstract: A multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer comprising one or more functionalized ethylenically unsaturated monomer into the emulsion polymerization reactor, wherein the functionality is selected from the group consisting of ?-keto esters, ?-keto amides, ?-diketones, cyanoacetic esters, malonates, nitroalkanes, ?-nitro esters, sulfonazides, thiols, thiol-s-triazines, and amine, where the functionality is incorporated into polymers by polymerizing, ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing these functionalities or by post functionalization of a polymer with additional reactions after polymerization in one of the first or second stages. Foamable halogenated polymers comprising the multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer is also provided. Also provided are methods for making the multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer and foamable halogenated polymers.

Abstract: A multi-stage polymer composition comprising a crosslinked core having a Tg of from ?85 to ?10° C.; an intermediate region which comprises one or more intermediate layers, wherein each of the intermediate layers comprises from 88.5 to 99.9 weight percent of units derived from a one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of alkyl(meth)acrylate monomers, from 0 to 5 weight percent of units derived from a cross-linking monomer, a graft-linking monomer, or a combination of two or more thereof, optionally from 0 to 2 weight percent units derived from one or more chain transfer agents; wherein there is a compositional gradient between the intermediate layers such that the Tg transitions from ?30° C. to 70° C. over the width of the intermediate region, and an outermost layer which has a Tg of from 40° C. to 110° C. is provided.

Abstract: A multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer comprising one or more functionalized ethylenically unsaturated monomer into the emulsion polymerization reactor, wherein the functionality is selected from the group consisting of ?-keto esters, ?-keto amides, ?-diketones, cyanoacetic esters, malonates, nitroalkanes, ?-nitro esters, sulfonazides, thiols, thiol-s-triazines, and amine, where the functionality is incorporated into polymers by polymerizing, ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing these functionalities or by post functionalization of a polymer with additional reactions after polymerization in one of the first or second stages. Foamable halogenated polymers comprising the multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer is also provided. Also provided are methods for making the multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer and foamable halogenated polymers.