Abstract: Poly methacrylate copolymers are disclosed which comprising from about 60 to about 96 weight percent of a C12-C16 alkyl methacrylate and from about 40 to about 4 weight percent of a C18-C30 alkyl methacrylate and provide excellent low temperature properties to lubricating oils.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the preparation of ?,?-unsaturated acids, esters and amides from ?- or ?-hydroxycarboxylic acids or esters or precursors in high yields and high selectivity. The ?,?-unsaturated acids or esters are optionally prepared in the presence of specific dehydration and/or esterification catalysts. The ?,?-unsaturated amides or substituted amides are prepared optionally in the presence of a dehydration and/or amidation catalyst. The source of ?- or ?-hydroxycarboxylic acids or precusor is preferably from a renewable resource. The precursor is defined herein.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the preparation of ?,?-unsaturated acids, esters and amides from ?- or ?-hydroxycarboxylic acids or esters or precursors in high yields and high selectivity. The ?,?-unsaturated acids or esters are optionally prepared in the presence of specific dehydration and/or esterification catalysts. The ?,?-unsaturated amides or substituted amides are prepared optionally in the presence of a dehydration and/or amidation catalyst. The source of ?- or ?-hydroxycarboxylic acids or precusor is preferably from a renewable resource. The precursor is defined herein.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for improving the wettability/hydrophilicity of hydrophobic substrates by applying block copolymers to said substrates wherein the block copolymers comprise a quaternary ammonium polymer block and a hydrophobic block. The method of the invention is especially advantageous when used to improve the wettability of non-wovens and in the treatment of hydrophobic surfaces encountered in the home to prevent the buildup of soil residues.

Abstract: The invention encompasses novel amphiphilic block copolymers comprising a hydrophobic block and a hydrophilic block wherein the hydrophilic block is formed from diallyldialkylammonium salt and the hydrophobic block comprises a polyolefin. Furthermore, convenient methods of preparing the amphiphilic block copolymers are disclosed. The amphiphilic block copolymer may be used to increase the wettability and printability of a plastic surface. The amphiphilic block copolymer may also be melt blended with a thermoplastic to form an anti-statically finished polymeric.