Abstract: The thermoplastic molding composition comprises: a) as component A, from 0 to 97.9% by weight of one or more (methyl)styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers which do not have any units derived from maleic anhydride, and which have an intrinsic viscosity smaller than 85 ml/g, b) as component B, from 1 to 98.9% by weight of one or more (methyl)styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers which have, based on the entire component B, from 0.5 to 5% by weight of units derived from maleic anhydride, c) as component C, from 1 to 75% by weight of glass fibers, d) from 0.1 to 20% by weight of one or more flow promoters, selected from d1) as component D1, at least one highly branched or hyperbranched polycarbonate with an OH number of from 1 to 600 mg KOH/g of polycarbonate (to DIN 53240, part 2), d2) as component D2, at least one highly branched or hyperbranched polyester of AxBy type, where x is at least 1.1 and y is at least 2.

Abstract: A first resin composition of the present invention is characterized by comprising (A) at least one thermoplastic resin selected from polypropylenes, polystyrenes, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, polycarbonates, polyethylenes and thermoplastic elastomers, (B) filler such as a crushed shell material or the like, and (C) binder component. A second resin composition of the present invention is characterized by comprising (A?) thermoplastic resin such as an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer or the like and (B?) crushed shell material, wherein the elastic modulus thereof is 1750 to 2950 MPa. A third resin composition of the present invention is characterized by comprising (A?) thermoplastic resin and (B?) crushed shell material, wherein the surface hardness thereof measured using a durometer is 12 to 85. The resin compositions of the present invention can provide molded bodies excellent in gloss, mechanical strength, and dimensional stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer composition containing 3 to 95% by weight of a copolymer H and 3 to 95% by weight of a copolymer K, the copolymers H and K each having polyether macromonomer structural units and acid monomer structural units, which are present in the copolymers H and K in each case in a molar ratio of 1:20 to 1:1, and at least 20 mol % of all structural units of the copolymer H and at least 25 mol % of all structural units of the copolymer K being present in each case in the form of acid monomer structural units, the polyether macromonomer structural units of the copolymers H and K having side chains containing in each case at least 5 ether oxygen atoms, the number of ether oxygen atoms per side chain of the polyether macromonomer structural units of the copolymers H and K varying in each case in such a way that the corresponding frequency distribution diagrams, in which the number of ether oxygen atoms per side chain of a polyether macromonomer structural unit is plotted in each case along

Abstract: A method of modifying the rheology of a thermoplastic resin that includes the steps of providing a thermoplastic resin and blending interpolymer resin particles with the thermoplastic resin. The interpolymer resin contains a styrenic polymer intercalated within a polyolefin, such that the thermoplastic resin is present as a continuous phase and the interpolymer resin is present as a dispersed phase. The method provides a rheology modified thermoplastic resin with improved physical characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides a fiber reinforced resin composition comprising a melt-kneaded product (A) prepared by melt-kneading a first resin (A1) and a second resin (A2) that has reactive functional group as well as a third resin (B) and a fibrous filler (C), wherein, with respect to the contents of the components, the first resin (A1), the second resin with a reactive functional group (A2), and the third resin (B) account for 0.1 to 75 wt %, 0.1 to 15 wt %, and 10 to 99.8 wt %, respectively, to form a resin composition while said fibrous filler (C) accounts for 0.1 to 300 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said resin composition, said first resin (A1) and said third resin (B) forming a matrix resin, said second resin (A2) being dispersed as particles in said matrix resin, and said particles having a number average particle diameter of 10 to 1,000 nm.

Abstract: A new cross linked polyolefin material combination that is designed to replace current high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”) materials for use with molded or over-molded electrical transmission products. Such molded or over-molded electrical transmission products include, for example, vise-top pin insulators, line post insulators, F-neck, C-neck, and J-neck pin insulators of classes ANSI 55-3, 55-4, and 55-5, Spacer cable spacers, Brackets, hangers, Line post sensors, cable restraint insulators, and transmission style insulators.

Abstract: Disclosed are coating compositions based on non-aqueous dispersions of solid fluoropolymer particles in an organic solution of acrylic polymers. The coating compositions include: (1) a fluorocarbon polymer; (2) an organic solvent; and (3) an adjuvant polymer.

Abstract: A composition for a protection layer for a thermal transfer ribbon which is free of solvents and which contains an acrylate oligomer or polymer having a functionality lower than or equal to 3, a di- or triacrylate monomer and a slip agent which are UV-crosslinkable in the presence of a photoinitiator, capable of forming, after coating on a backing film and after UV crosslinking, a protection layer having a thickness lower than 1 ?m. The layer has a good adhesiveness and a low friction coefficient. The composition can particularly be used for the back (5) of a thermal transfer ribbon (1) applied on a surface of the backing film (2), the other surface of the film receiving at least one ink layer (3), while imparting flexibility and thermal and mechanical resistance to the ribbon (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous metallic coating composition comprising: (A) an aqueous film-forming resin; (B) a curing agent; (C) a phosphoric acid group-containing resin having an acid value of 10 to 200 mg KOH/g and obtained by copolymerizing a phosphoric acid group-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a) represented by formula (1) with other polymerizable unsaturated monomer(s) (b); (D) a nitrogen-containing compound represented by formula (2); and (E) a metallic pigment. The present invention further provides a method for forming a multilayer coating film using the aqueous metallic coating composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a fire resistant material and a formulation thereof. The formulation comprises a liquid suspension of a modified inorganic particle and an organic component. The modified inorganic particle comprises an inorganic particle with hydroxyl groups and a surface modifier coupled to the inorganic particle via a urethane linkage, wherein the surface modifier has an ethylenically unsaturated end group. The organic component comprises a monomer, oligomer, prepolymer, polymer, or combinations thereof, capable of reacting with the ethylenically unsaturated end group.

Abstract: The present invention provides [1] a water dispersion for ink-jet printing containing chain-like particles each containing anionic organic pigment particles and a cationic polymer, wherein the ratio of organic pigment primary particles forming the chain-like particles to all the pigment primary particles contained in the water dispersion is 10% by number or more; [2] a water-based ink for ink-jet printing containing the water dispersion; [3] a method for producing a water dispersion for ink-jet printing as described above in [1]; and [4] a water-based ink for ink-jet printing containing a water dispersion produced through the method. The water dispersion and water-based ink for ink-jet printing of the present invention realize excellent optical density.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method of preparing silicas and to highly-structured silicas having the following characteristics: a specific surface area CTAB (SCTAB) of between 40 and 525 m2g/g; a specific surface area BET (SBET) of between 45 and 550 m2g; an object size distribution width Ld ((d84?D16)/d50), which is measured by XDC particle size analysis after deagglomeration with ultrasound, of at least 0.91; and a pore-size distribution such that ratio V(d5?d50)/V(d5?d100) is at least 0.66. The invention also relates to the use of said silicas as polymer reinforcing fillers.

Abstract: A composition for enhancing fluid viscosity including a mixture of at least one cationic or cationizable polymer and at least one anionic or anionizable (hydrolysable) polymer. The composition has a zeta potential at 25° C. in the range of 0.5 to 100 mV or ?0.5 to ?100 mV, typically 1 to 60 mV or ?1 to ?60 mV, or is a precursor convertible at a temperature of 100 to 250° C. to the composition having a zeta potential at 25° C. of 0.5 to 100 mV or ?0.5 to ?100 mV, typically 1 to 60 mV or ?1 to ?60 mV. Typically the compositions exhibit salt tolerance and interaction of both polymers at very high temperatures (>300° F.) such that the system exhibits an increase of viscosity at extreme temperatures. The compositions are useful for hydraulic fracturing, enhanced oil recovery, subterranean acidization, personal care as well as home and industrial cleaners.

Abstract: A multi-stage aqueous emulsion polymer, an aqueous coating composition including the emulsion polymer, and a method for providing a coating including the emulsion polymer are provided. The multistage emulsion polymer includes from 10% to 30% by wt., based on the wt. of the multistage emulsion polymer, of a first polymer shell having an acid number of from 5 to 100, the first polymer having a calculated Mn of from 1000 to 4500 and a calculated Tg of lower then 100° C.; and from 70% to 90% by wt., based on the wt. of the multistage emulsion polymer, of a second polymer core having an acid number of from 0 to one-half the acid number of the first polymer, the second polymer having a calculated Mn of greater than 20,000.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organic anti-reflection coating composition comprising a copolymer represented by the following Formula 1, a light absorbent, a thermal acid generating agent, and a curing agent: wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each independent to each; R1 represents hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R2 represents hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an arylalkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R3 is hydrogen or a methyl group; m and n are repeating units in the main chain, while m+n=1, and they have values of 0.05<m/(m+n)<0.95 and 0.05<n/(m+n)<0.95. The anti-reflection coating using the polymer of the invention has excellent adhesiveness and storage stability, and a very high dry etching rate, and exhibits excellent resolution in both C/H patterns and L/S patterns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controlled polymerization process for preparing (meth)acrylate-based AB diblock copolymers with a B block which has a narrow monomodal molecular weight distribution, and an A block which has a broad bimodal molecular weight distribution, and to the use thereof, for example, as a binder in adhesives or sealants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing aqueous dispersions. The invention also relates to the formation of core-shell particles in aqueous dispersions. The core-shell particles are useful as impact-modifiers for poly(meth)acrylate moulding compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controlled polymerization method for producing ABA-triblock copolymers on the basis of (meth)acrylate with A-blocks which have a narrow, monomodal molecular weight distribution and a B-block which has a bimodal molecular weight distribution, and to the use thereof as binders in glues and sealing materials

Abstract: The invention provides a method of polymerising monomer to form polymer at the surface of solid particulate material, said method comprising: providing a dispersion of said solid particulate material in a continuous hydrophilic liquid phase, said dispersion comprising a hydrophilic RAFT agent as a stabiliser for said solid particulate material, and said continuous hydrophilic liquid phase comprising one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers; and polymerising said one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers under the control of said hydrophilic RAFT agent to thereby form polymer at the surface of said solid particulate material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adhesive composition having adhesion properties, high-speed curing properties and moisture resistance. Also disclosed is an adhesion method. Specifically disclosed is a composition which comprises: a first preparation comprising (A) a nitrile-butadiene rubber, (B) a (meth)acrylic composition, (C) a compound having an enal structure, and (F) a radical polymerization initiator; and a second preparation comprising (A) a nitrile-butadiene rubber, (B) a (meth)acrylic composition, (D) a compound having an amine structure, and (E) a compound containing copper. Also disclosed is a composition which comprises: a first preparation comprising (A) a nitrile-butadiene rubber, (B) a (meth)acrylic composition, (D) a compound having an amine structure, and (F) a radical polymerization initiator; and a second preparation comprising (A) a nitrile-butadiene rubber, (B) a (meth)acrylic composition, (C) a compound having an enal structure, and (E) a compound containing copper.

Abstract: There is provided a method of treatment including (i) applying a treatment composition to at least a portion of the surface of a wheel rim and (ii) allowing a thus applied treatment composition to cure. There is also provided compounds and compositions useful in the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous dispersion primer, a coating produced therewith and a method for the production of a vapour barrier or of an intermediate layer. The aqueous dispersion primer based on a polymer for cement and/or other subfloors is characterised in that it contains in an aqueous dispersion the following materials: a) ?23% by weight of silanised styrene-acrylate copolymer and b) ?7.5% by weight of vinylidene chloride-acrylate copolymer and c) ?0.5% by weight of styrene-butadiene copolymer-paraffin wax mixture and d) ?0.5% by weight of additives, the percentage data relating to the mass of the dispersion primer, ready for handling.

Abstract: This invention relates flame retardant compositions containing low molecular weight brominated anionic, chain transfer, vinyl aromatic polymers, hereinafter “ACTVAP”. The compositions can accommodate high bromine content while still exhibiting a low thermally labile bromine content. The compositions have glass transition temperatures, Tg, that are predictive of acceptable melt flows and heat distortion temperatures (HDT) in HIPS and ABS based formulations substrates. The compositions, are suitable flame retardant candidates for use in thermoplastic formulations, e.g. polystyrene and ABS formulations.

Abstract: An emulsion comprising the following (A), (B) and (C): (A) an olefinic copolymer comprising a structural unit derived from ethylene and/or a linear ?-olefin and a structural unit derived from a vinyl compound represented by the formula (I): CH2?CH—R??(I) wherein R represents a secondary alkyl group, a tertiary alkyl group or a alicyclic hydrocarbon group, or a polymer obtained by graft polymerizing an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride to the olefinic copolymer, (B) an acrylic resin comprising a structural unit derived from an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid and a structural unit derived from an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, (C) water.

Abstract: An inkjet printing composition comprises an aqueous liquid vehicle; at least one pigment having a concentration of about 1 to 5 wt %; and a latex polymer having a concentration of about 2.5 to 8 wt % and comprising a polymerized mixture of styrene, butyl acrylate, at least one of methacrylonitrile and acrylonitrile, methacrylic acid, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. An inkjet ink printing system comprises a vinyl medium; the at least one inkjet printing composition; and a heating device, wherein the system is configured such that upon applying heat from the heating device to the inkjet ink printed on the vinyl medium, the latex particles fuse, thereby forming a printed image with a film encapsulating at least a portion of the pigment on the vinyl medium. A method of forming a printed image of the latex polymer using the inkjet ink printing system is also provided.

Abstract: A process for forming a compatibilized silica and nitrile polymer blend in latex form is described herein. The process can include treating a silica with a coupling agent in aqueous suspension to form a compatibilized silica slurry. The coupling agent can have the capacity of chemically reacting with the surface of the silica to bond the coupling agent thereto. The process can include blending at least a portion of the compatibilized silica slurry into a styrene butadiene polymer latex, forming a silica styrene butadiene polymer latex, and blending at least a portion of the compatibilized silica slurry into an acrylonitrile butadiene polymer latex, forming a silica acrylonitrile butadiene polymer latex. The process can include blending the silica styrene butadiene polymer latex with the silica acrylonitrile butadiene polymer latex, forming the compatibilized silica and nitrile polymer blend.

Abstract: Copolymers are manufactured to include a zwitterionic monomer (e.g., methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine monomer), a dihydroxyphenyl derivatized monomer, and optionally one or more additional monomers. The dihydroxyphenyl derivatized monomer gives the copolymers excellent adhesion properties. Optional monomers include a cationic amino monomer, a hydrocarbon monomer, and/or a hydrophilic monomer. The copolymers are biocompatible and can be used with medical devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use, as a dispersant and/or a grinding aid agent for pigments and/or mineral fillers in aqueous suspension, of a water soluble polymer with a controlled structure obtained by a controlled free radical polymerization process putting into practice a particular alkoxyamine as a polymerization initiator.

Abstract: 1) Heat-curable adhesive composition comprising: from 20 to 85% of a polyether (A) comprising 2 hydrolysable alkoxysilane-type end groups, having a viscosity, measured at 23° C., ranging from 25 to 40 Pa·s and of formula (I): in which: R1 and R2 represent an alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R3 represents a linear alkylene radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R4 represents an alkylene radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; n is an integer such that the number-average molecular weight Mn of the polymer of formula (I) is between 20 kDa and 40 kDa; p is an integer equal to 0, 1 or 2; from 15 to 80% of a compatible tackifying resin (B); and from 0.01 to 3% of a curing catalyst (C). 2) Self-adhesive support coated with the cured adhesive composition. 3) Use for the manufacture of self-adhesive labels and/or tapes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of amphiphilic gradient copolymers by Controlled Radical Polymerization in the presence of a RAFT (Reversible Addition Fragmentation Transfer) agent. The copolymers of the invention exhibit low polydispersity indices and low viscosities in solution and are readily soluble in an alkaline medium.

Abstract: A process for coating a surface comprises said surface being coated with particles (A) comprising a core (a) and at least one envelope (b) other than said core (a), and optionally with at least one hydrophobicizing agent (B) and thereafter thermally treated.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a water-redispersible polymer powder based on at least one modified natural latex. The modified natural latex can be obtained by mixing natural latex with at least one radical initiator and/or oxidising agent, by mixing and reacting natural latex with at least one olefinically unsaturated monomer and with at least one radical initiator, and/or by mixing natural latex with at least one filler. Preferably, the polymer powder contains up to about 95 wt. % of least one natural latex, about 0 to 50 wt. % of at least one protective colloid, about 2 to 70 wt. % of at least one filler and/or anti-caking agent, as well as optionally further additives. In addition, the invention pertains to a process for the preparation of the polymer powder, the use thereof as an additive in building material compositions, as well as building material compositions containing the polymer powder.

Abstract: A compact coating system comprises a UV-blocking coating composition, a basecoat composition, a clearcoat composition, and a monocoat topcoat composition, wherein: (a) each of the UV-blocking coating composition, the basecoat coating composition, and the monocoat coating composition comprises from about 0.1 to about 70%, based on total binder, of a first binder resin and (b) each of the monocoat coating composition and the clearcoat coating composition comprises from about 0.1 to about 50%, based on total binder, of a second binder resin.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fluorooxyalkylene group-containing polymer composition, which yields a coating having excellent adhesior to a substrate, good water- and oil-repellency, a low dynamic friction coefficient, good releasing property, good abrasion resistance and good stain resistance, and to provide a surface treatment agent comprising the same. The present inventors have found that a composition comprising a fluorooxyalkylene group-containing polymer having a fluorinated group and a hydrolyzable group at each terminal and a fluorooxyalkylene group-containing polymer having hydrolyzable groups at both terminals can form a coating which has excellent water- and oil-repellency, a low dynamic friction coefficient, good releasing property, good abrasion resistance, and good stain resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flame retardant styrene-based resin composition with high impact property. The styrene-based resin composition of the present invention comprises 1-30 parts by weight of a flame retardant, 0.5-15 parts by weight of a flame retardant aid and 0.1-15 parts by weight of a styrene-containing graft copolymer per 100 parts by weight of a base resin comprising a rubber-modified styrene-based copolymer and offers high impact property and good rigidity and fluidity, without appearance problem under a variety of processing conditions.

Abstract: Elastomeric compositions comprising graphite nanoparticles (preferably graphene nanoparticles) and methods for making same. Such compositions are useful for tire innertubes and tire innerliners.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified polyolefins having a propylene content of at least 50 ma-% and a maximum of 75 ma-%, being determined by means of 13C-NMR spectroscopy, and having a poly(ethylene) triad content of a maximum of 2.5 ma-%, being determined by means of 13C-NMR spectroscopy, relative to the total detected ethylene content, a melting heat of at least 9 and a maximum of 20 J/g, determined by means of differential calorimetry, and a solubility in xylol at ambient temperature of at least 96 ma-%, and a solubility in THF at ambient temperature of at least 67 ma-%, wherein one or multiple silanes are grafted onto the polymer. The invention further relates to a method for the production of the polyolefins, and to the use thereof, particularly in or as an adhesive.

Abstract: New polymer concentrates on the basis of polymer additives, like e.g. fillers and flame-retardants, are provided which have in particular an increased bulk density compared to the polymer additives as such. This increased bulk density leads to a substantial improvement in the processability of such concentrates, their dispersibility during compounding and the properties of the resulting polymer compound. Processing improvements include less dust, faster processing and more homogeneous additive dispersion. The invention also provides a process for preparing such new polymer concentrates, a process for preparing polymer compounds containing the new polymer concentrates, the respective polymer compounds and a process for preparing formed parts thereof. Such formed parts have more uniform properties such as density, wall thickness, and in case of the flame-retardants more homogeneous and consistent flame retardancy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer mixture comprising a mixture of polymer A, comprising polymers with a functional group —NRH and (meth)acrylates and polymer B, comprising polymers having a functional group —NR—CH2OH and (meth)acrylates in dispersion in plasticizers or epoxy resins.

Abstract: Fiber bonding compositions are provided comprising a polymer dispersion comprising two or more of a first polymer selected from the group consisting of styrene acrylics and straight acrylics and having a Tg from about 35° C. to about 45° C., a second polymer selected from the group consisting of styrene acrylics and straight acrylics and having a Tg from about ?12° C. to about ?2° C., and a third polymer selected from the group consisting of styrene acrylics and straight acrylics and having a Tg from about ?28° C. to about ?18° C. Methods of making a fiber bonding composition, methods of coating or saturating a fiber substrate, and coated or saturated fiber substrates are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are high frequency-active blends comprising (a) copolymers of ethylene and maleic anhydride or its functional equivalents and (b) ethylene copolymers with polar comonomers such as ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene/alkyl(meth)acrylate copolymers and ethylene/(meth)acrylate/carbon monoxide terpolymers; and films, powders, multilayer structures, and articles prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive composition contains an ionic compound, or an oligomer or co-polymer of the ionic compound which is composed of a ((meth) acryloyloxy) alkyl ammonium cation and (CF3SO2)2N? anion, or a combination thereof, to obtain a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet having excellent antistatic properties without adhesion deterioration.

Abstract: Modified polyolefins with syndiotactic structural elements and a processes for preparation thereof are provided. The modified polyolefins are useful as an adhesive or as a constituent of adhesives.

Abstract: Modified polyolefins with isotactic structural elements and processes for preparation thereof are provided. The modified poyolefins are useful as an adhesive or as a constituent of an adhesive.

Abstract: An ammunition article is provided which comprises a casing and a cap wherein the casing is formed from a polymeric material that has a room temperature notched Izod impact value greater than about 10 ft lbs/in and then has a ratio of notched Izod impact value at room temperature to notch Izod impact value at about ?40° C. of less than about 4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous dispersion comprising (a) at least one (meth)acrylic polymer; (b) at least one vinyl acetate polymer selected from vinyl acetate homopolymer and vinyl acetate copolymers comprising in polymerized form vinyl acetate and ethylene; (c) water; and (d) optionally up to 50% by weight of an inorganic filler, based on the total weight of the aqueous dispersion, wherein the weight ratio of (meth)acrylic polymer(s) (a) to vinyl acetate polymer(s) (b) is from 70:30 to 30:70. The aqueous dispersion may be used as a joint compound or sealing compound.

Abstract: A condensation curable silyl functional hydrocarbon polymer composition with improved adhesion to substrates. The composition comprises: (A) 100 parts by weight of an organic hydrocarbon polymer having a number average molecular weight of about 500 to about 300,000, and on average at least 1 hydrolyzable silyl group per molecule; (B) 0.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polyolefin-based thermoplastic polymer composition, in which an acrylate copolymer phase obtained by absorbing an alkyl acrylate monomer, an alkyl methacrylate monomer, a polar group-containing acrylate monomer and a polymerization initiator into a polyolefin matrix and then polymerizing the monomers is dispersed in a polyolefin phase. The thermoplastic polymer composition has excellent surface polarity leading to excellent paint adhesion.

Abstract: A non-photosensitive flexographic liquid or paste precursor comprising a mixture of acrylate oligomers and acrylic or methacrylate monomers, infrared absorbing material, fillers and heat decomposable peroxide, which when heated forms a non-thermoplastic elastomeric solid material in the form of a flexographic printing blank engraveable by infrared laser ablation.

Abstract: Linear block copolymers that have at least one hydrophilic block and at least one hydrophobic block, wherein the hydrophilic block of the copolymer has at least one carboxylic acid functionality (or salt thereof) that can readily decarboxylate. These copolymers are useful as binders and/or dispersants in inkjet inks.