Abstract: This invention relates to a method for light-assisted curing of coatings by providing coatings with an enamine content sufficient to enhance the cure rate of the coatings. The coatings exhibit improved weatherability and gloss retention when exposed to light.

Abstract: An air curing polymer composition is disclosed which contains acetoacetate functional polymer and an autoxidizable material. The composition cures on exposure to oxygen. One pack stable ambient curing compositions and a method of stabilizing acetoacetate functional groups to prevent hydrolysis are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a block copolymer comprising: a) at least one first block of polymerized units of at least one first ethylenically unsaturated monomer and at least one latent thiol mercaptan chain transfer agent wherein the latent thiol mercaptan chain transfer agent has the general formula; ##STR1## wherein A is a polyvalent organic radical; x and y are positive integers such that x+y equals the valence of A; B is an organic acyl radical; and n and m are integers from 1 to 6; and b) at least one second block of polymerized units of at least one second ethylenically unsaturated monomer, wherein said at least one second block is attached to said at least one first block by reacting with terminal thiol functional groups contained on said at least one first block. In addition, this invention relates to the method of making this block copolymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer composition of a block copolymer dispersed in water wherein the block copolymer is composed of: a) at least one first block of polymerized units of at least one first ethylenically unsaturated monomer and at least one latent thiol mercaptan chain transfer agent wherein the latent thiol mercaptan chain transfer agent has the general formula; ##STR1## wherein A is a polyvalent organic radical; x and y are positive integers such that x+y equals the valence of A; B is an organic acyl radical; and n and m are integers from 1 to 6; and b) at least one second block of polymerized units of at feast one second ethylenically unsaturated monomer, wherein said at least one second block is attached to said at least one first block by reacting with terminal thiol functional groups contained on said at least one first block.

Abstract: An air curing polymer composition is disclosed which contains acetoacetate functional polymer and an autoxidizable material. The composition cures on exposure to oxygen. One pack stable ambient curing compositions and a method of stabilizing acetoacetate functional groups to prevent hydrolysis are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coating or impregnating composition containing an aqueous dispersion of a vinyl addition polymer and a reactive coalescent is provided. The reactive coalescent contains at least one acetoacetate grouping, or an enamine thereof. In one embodiment the reactive coalescent also functions as an emulsion polymer crosslinker.

Abstract: This invention relates to latent thiol mercaptan chain transfer agents and their use in the synthesis of polymers. In addition, this invention relates to novel polymers and block copolymers formed using these latent thiol mercaptan chain transfer agents.

Abstract: Coatings compositions including stable composite latex-pigment particles are prepared by dispersing titanium dioxide pigment particles in a first aqueous medium and preparing a dispersion of selected polymeric latex particles, which have at least one dihydrogen phosphate functional group, in a second aqueous medium. The media are mixed and the selected polymeric latex particles adsorb on the titanium dioxide particles. Dibasic phosphate is then provided to the mixture to stop adsorption and stabilize the composite particles. The coating composition gives a coating with improved hiding.

Abstract: This invention relates to latent thiol monomers and their use in the synthesis of polymers. In addition, this invention relates to novel polymers and graft copolymers formed with these latent thiol monomers.

Abstract: A coating or impregnating composition containing an aqueous dispersion of a vinyl addition polymer and a reactive coalescent is provided. The reactive coalescent contains at least one acetoacetate grouping, or an enamine thereof. In one embodiment the reactive coalescent also functions as an emulsion polymer crosslinker.

Abstract: This invention relates to a two stage aqueous emulsion polymerization process for making graft copolymers. In the first stage, at least one first ethylenically unsaturated monomer is polymerized in the presence of at least one mercapto-olefin compound to form a macromonomer with terminal functional groups. In the second stage, at least one second ethylenically unsaturated monomer is polymerized in the presence of the macromonomer such that a copolymer is formed with a backbone of polymerized units of the at least one second ethylenically unsaturated monomer and side chains of the macromonomer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for light-assisted curing of coatings by providing coatings with an enamine content sufficient to enhance the cure rate of the coatings. The coatings exhibit improved weatherability and gloss retention when exposed to light.

Abstract: This invention relates to latent thiol mercaptan chain transfer agents and their use in the synthesis of polymers. In addition, this invention relates to novel polymers and block copolymers formed using these latent thiol mercaptan chain transfer agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to latent thiol monomers and their use in the synthesis of polymers. In addition, this invention relates to novel polymers and graft copolymers formed with these latent thiol monomers.

Abstract: A process for encapsulating a wide variety of target materials, including both hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials, employs condensation of two reactive compounds to form shells around core phase particles including target material dispersed in a continuous phase. One of the reactive compounds has at least two active methylene functional groups per molecule, the other being an active methylene-reactive crosslinking agent. Either type of the reactive compounds can be dispersed in the continuous phase, the other being dispersible in the core phase. Applications include controlled release microencapsulation of agriculture chemicals and biocides.

Abstract: This invention relates to a two stage aqueous emulsion polymerization process for making graft copolymers. In the first stage, at least one first ethylenically unsaturated monomer is polymerized in the presence of at least one mercapto-olefin compound to form a macromonomer with terminal functional groups. In the second stage, at least one second ethylenically unsaturated monomer is polymerized in the presence of the macromonomer such that a copolymer is formed with a backbone of polymerized units of the at least one second ethylenically unsaturated monomer and side chains of the macromonomer.

Abstract: Novel thiol-terminated hydroxyamides, and processes for their preparation and use are provided. These hydroxyamide compounds may be prepared by the reaction of a mercapto-functional alkyl ester, such as methylmercaptopropionate, with a molar excess of an alcohol-substituted amine, such as a b-hydroxyalkyl amine. The thiol-terminated hydroxyamides are useful as polymerization chain transfer agents, particularly when it is desirable to form polymers or oligomers containing functional hydroxyamide end groups. By chain terminating such polymers or oligomers with reactive hydroxyamide end groups the polymers or oligomers can be further reacted with acid-containing monomers or polymers to form block or graft copolymers.

Abstract: There is described the preparation of esters of an acid having the structure CH.sub.2 .dbd.CHCO.sub.2 (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2).sub.n H (AOnPA herein) and their use to form polymers, as reactive diluents and modifiers and as crosslinkers. In the above formula n has a value above 0.1. The polymers and the compositions are useful as coatings, binders and adhesives. The compositions are low in volatile components and toxicity.

Abstract: A process for encapsulating a wide variety of target materials, including both hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials, employs condensation of two reactive compounds to form shells around core phase particles including target material dispersed in a continuous phase. One of the reactive compounds has at least two active methylene functional groups per molecule, the other being an active methylene-reactive crosslinking agent. Either type of the reactive compounds can be dispersed in the continuous phase, the other being dispersible in the core phase. Applications include controlled release microencapsulation of agriculture chemicals and biocides.

Abstract: Novel thiol-terminated hydroxyamides, and processes for their preparation and use are provided. These hydroxyamide compounds may be prepared by the reaction of a mercapto-functional alkyl ester, such as methylmercaptopropionate, with a molar excess of an alcohol-substituted amine, such as a .beta.-hydroxyalkyl amine. The thiol-terminated hydroxyamides are useful as polymerization chain transfer agents, particularly when it is desirable to form polymers or oligomers containing functional hydroxyamide end groups. By chain terminating such polymers or oligomers with reactive hydroxyamide end groups the polymers or oligomers can be further reacted with acid-containing monomers or polymers to form block or graft copolymers.