Abstract: Disclosed are modified latexes having improved drying speed, comprising a polymer having one or more pendant side chains, such side chain comprising the product of the reaction between a mono- or poly-functional group capable of reacting with an acid or hydroxyl unit, and such units present on the precursor polymer. Such modified latexes are storage-stable one-pack compositions useful alone or in combination in coating applications, or as adhesives, sizing agents, composites, impregnants, castings, caulks, and non-woven binders. Also disclosed is a method for providing a crosslinked protective coating on a substrate, comprising the steps of: applying a coating of the composition of the present invention to the substrate; and allowing the composition to cure at ambient temperature or greater, or applying radiation to the composition to effect curing.

Abstract: The invention provides a flame-retardant rubber composition which may form a vulcanizate of an elastomer whose deterioration of mechanical strength is little to enjoy excellent mechanical properties, even when a nonhalogenated flame retardant is contained in a high proportion in the composition, and a flame-retardant elastomer obtained therefrom. The flame-retardant rubber composition contains (A) an olefin copolymer having a functional group, which comprises (a-1) a structural unit derived from ethylene, (a-2) a structural unit derived from an &agr;-olefin compound having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, (a-3) a structural unit derived from a functional group-containing unsaturated compound, and optionally (a-4) a structural unit derived from a nonconjugated diene compound, and has an intrinsic viscosity [&eegr;] of 0.1 to 10 dL/g as measured in decalin at 135° C., (B) a vulcanizing agent and/or a crosslinking agent and (C) a nonhalogenated flame retardant.

Abstract: Copolymers I carrying functional groups and comprising a) 20-60 mol % of at least one monoethylenically unsaturated C4-C6-dicarboxylic acid or an anhydride thereof, b) 10-70 mol % of at least one oligomer of propene or of a branched 1-olefin of 4 to 10 carbon atoms, having an average molecular weight Mw of from 300 to 5000, and c) 1-50 mol % of at least one monoethylenically unsaturated compound which is copolymerizable with the monomers a) and b), a process for their preparation, oil-soluble reaction products obtainable therefrom by reaction with an amine and the use of said reaction products as additives for lubricants and fuels.

Abstract: A novel polymer having the moiety: wherein R is an alkyl group containing 1-5 carbon atoms or an aryl, substituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, alkyl-aryl, alkylether-aryl or O; R1 and R2 are hydrogen or a methyl group; X is O, NH, NR′ wherein R′ is an alkyl group containing 1-5 carbon atoms, or O—R″ or NR″ wherein O—R″ is O-alkyl-O or O-alkyl, NR″ is O-alkyl-ONH, wherein each instance alkyl contains 1-5 carbon atoms and n is 0 or 1. The compound of this invention is useful as a monomer which can be polymerized and/or copolymerized by catonic polymerization. Polymers and copolymers produced in this invention can be crosslinked and are useful in coatings, inks, overprint varnishes, and surface treatment applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved system for inkjet printing which results in images with increased permanence as measured by transfer of color from the image when the image is subjected to mechanical and/or chemical abrasion. The invention provides a fusible material that may be combined with any or all of the color inks used to create the image, or it may be used as a colorless fluid applied pre- or post-printing. The permanence of images produced by the system are comparable to those produced by electrophotography. The invention also relates to a printing apparatus that contains a means for fusing the image using heat applied after printed substrate is ejected from the printer. Methods for utilizing these improvements and examples of them are described.

Abstract: Fine particulate thermoplastic polymers [e.g., hydrophobically modified polyether-polyurethanes, polyacrylates, polyvinyl alcohol, polyether-polyols, polyacrylamide, aminoplast-polyethers and poly(acetal- or ketal-polyethers] having reduced bulk density, process of making same by dissolving the polymer and rapidly insolubilizing the polymer from the solution and process of using aqueous suspensions of such polymers as thickeners for aqueous systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to washable coloring compositions comprising specific low-molecular weight styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers. Such copolymers provide excellent washability enhancing performance in association with colorants and inks. Also, these specific compounds exhibit low viscosities which allow for greater amounts of washability enhancing copolymers to be added within colorant and ink formulations while simultaneously permitting the retention of sufficiently low overall viscosities of the target compositions. Such copolymers provide highly effective prevention of permanent colorations to certain substrates, such as skin, clothing, and the like, by the inks, dyes, and the like, within the target compositions. Marker styluses, writing implements, and other colorant transfer devices, containing these inventive compositions, are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to solvent-based primer compositions containing 0.5 to 40 weight percent of a modified polyolefin and a solvent selected from the group consisting of ester solvents, ketone solvents, aliphatic solvents, aromatic solvents and mixtures thereof. The modified polyolefin is formed from an amorphous polyolefin selected from polypropylene and a propylene copolymer or a propylene terpolymer or an ethylene copolymer or terpolymer. Preferably the polyolefin is a polypropylene copolymer or terpolymer containing about 1 to about 99 mole percent ethylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, and 1-hexene. The amorphous polyolefin has a number average molecular weight ranging from about 1,000 to 15,000 and is chemically modified with one or more unsaturated carboxylic acids selected from the group consisting of acids, esters and anhydrides. These primers are useful for significantly improving the adhesion of paints to polyolefin surfaces.

Abstract: Cores for manufacture of molded products are fabricated from ceramic microspheres in combination with 5-20% polymer binder in water solution, the binder comprising poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: This invention relates to washable coloring compositions comprising specific low-molecular weight styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers. Such copolymers provide excellent washability enhancing performance in association with colorants and inks. Also, these specific compounds exhibit low viscosities which allow for greater amounts of washability enhancing copolymers to be added within colorant and ink formulations while simultaneously permitting the retention of sufficiently low overall viscosities of the target compositions. Such copolymers provide highly effective prevention of permanent colorations to certain substrates, such as skin, clothing, and the like, by the inks, dyes, and the like, within the target compositions. Marker styluses, writing implements, and other colorant transfer devices, containing these inventive compositions, are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of film-forming acid-amine latexes in aqueous polish compositions whereby the resulting film is durable, tough, and resistant to detergent, but amine-strippable. Such polish compositions are metal-free and contain relatively low levels of volatile organic compounds.

Abstract: A polymerisable cement composition, particularly for dental and biomedical uses, comprises a mixture of polymerisable monomer materials including between 5 and 95% by weight tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate (THFMA), and at least 5% by weight secondary monomer, preferably a dimethacrylate; and active filler material, preferably powdered fluoroaluminosillicate glass, capable of undergoing an acid-base reaction in the presence of water with acid or acid derivative groups in the composition. The composition is conveniently in the form of a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement or a compomer composition. The use of THFMA as a monomer material has a number of advantages. THFMA has low shrinkage on polymerisation, good biological acceptability and advantageous water uptake properties in comparison to other monomer systems. The invention also covers a method of preparing a polymerisable cement, and a method of dental treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to solvent-based primer compositions containing 0.5 to 40 weight percent of a modified polyolefin and a solvent selected from the group consisting of ester solvents, ketone solvents, aliphatic solvents, aromatic solvents and mixtures thereof. The modified polyolefin is formed from an amorphous polyolefin selected from polypropylene and a propylene copolymer or a propylene terpolymer or an ethylene copolymer or terpolymer. Preferably the polyolefin is a polypropylene copolymer or terpolymer containing about 1 to about 99 mole percent ethylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, and 1-hexene. The amorphous polyolefin has a number average molecular weight ranging from about 1,000 to 15,000 and is chemically modified with one or more unsaturated carboxylic acids selected from the group consisting of acids, esters and anhydrides. These primers are useful for significantly improving the adhesion of paints to polyolefin surfaces.

Abstract: A denture adhesive composition is disclosed and comprises a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition. This composition exhibits enhanced adhesive performance and reduces oozing and incidence of food occlusion. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a denture adhesive composition comprising: preparing a mixture which comprises a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition; forming a denture adhesive composition including the mixture; and recovering the denture adhesive composition. A method of making a denture adhesive composition more adhesive and less oozing is disclosed as well. This method comprises adding to the denture adhesive composition a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition.

Abstract: What is described is a high molecular weight homogeneous, branched copolymer of maleic anhydride and a C1-C5 alkyl vinyl ether monomer, in which a branching agent is present in an amount of less than 0.5 wt. % of the polymer. A solution process of making such polymer also is described.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions or dispersions of copolymers obtainable by free-radical copolymerization of (a) from 20 to 90% by weight of at least one monoethylenically unsaturated C4-6-dicarboxylic acid or the anhydride thereof, as component A, (b) from 5 to 50% by weight of at least one olefin having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, as component B, (c) from 5 to 50% by weight of at least one hydrophobic comonomer from the group consisting of long-chain olefins, esters of long-chain alcohols with acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, long-chain amides of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, and long-chain alkyl vinyl ethers, as component C, (d) from 0 to 40% by weight of further comonomers which can be copolymerized with the above monomers, as component D, where the sum of the amounts of components A, B, C and, if used, D is 100% by weight, followed by at least partial esterification or hydrolysis and neutralization and/or reaction of the carboxyl groups formed during the hydrolysis with bases, for treating leather and/or fur skins.

Abstract: A denture adhesive comprising a copolymer salt at least partially cross-linked by lysine, histidine, arginine, nontoxic derivatives or family members of lysine, histidine or arginine and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to dental compositions containing(a) 5 to 70 wt. %, relative to (a)+(b)+(d), of oligomers and/or polymers,(b) 0 to 95 wt. %, relative to (a)+(b)+(d), of fillers,(c) 0.1 to 3 wt. %, relative to (a), of at least one initiator or one initiator system,(d) 0 to 95 wt. %, relative to (a)+(b)+(d), of the usual adjuncts, including pigments, radiopaque additives and/or thixotropy auxiliaries,characterized in that 5 to 100 wt. % of component (a) comprises oligomers or polymers with the general formula ##STR1## or ##STR2## The dental compositions are suitable for producing filling materials, fixing cements, inlays, onlays, veneers, temporary crown and bridge materials, dentistry and impression materials. In compositions with radical curing, slight volume shrinkage occurs during curing, whereas in cement compositions, better mechanical properties are obtained.

Abstract: This invention relates to a formaldehyde-free curable aqueous composition containing a polyacid, a polyol and a phosphorous-containing accelerator. The composition may be used as a binder for heat resistant nonwovens such as nonwovens composed of fiberglass.

Abstract: Dental restorative compositions of the composite resin/glass ionomer hybrid type and resins used in the compositions. The compositions contain an aromatic-moiety-containing polymerizable resin, a finely divided ion-leachable fluoroaluminosilicate glass filler, a polymerization initiator system, and may contain other components. The aromatic-moiety-containing polymerizable resin has at least one carboxylic acid group and at least one ethylenically unsaturated group such as a (meth)acrylate group. The compositions have improved mechanical strength, improved wear resistance, and sustained long-term fluoride release.

Abstract: The invention is a surfactant composition comprising about 20 weight % to about 76 weight % of a fatty alcohol ethoxylate having a degree of ethoxylation of at least 14, about 4 weight % to about 40 weight % alkylpolyglycoside, and about 20 weight % to about 60 weight % water, wherein said composition is a liquid at room temperature, free of gel or solid phase, lattices containing said surfactant composition and a process for making said lattices.

Abstract: A novel compound having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1-5 carbon atoms, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are hydrogen or a methyl group, X is nonexistent, O or --NH--, Ar is unsubstituted arylene, n is 0-10 and m is 1 or 2, wherein when X is O or --NH--, n is at least 1.The compound of this invention is useful as a monomer which can be polymerized and/or copolymerized by both free radical and cationic polymerization.Polymers and copolymers produced in this invention can be crosslinked and are useful in coatings, inks, overprint, varnish and surface treatment applications.

Abstract: A denture adhesive composition is disclosed and comprises a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition. This composition exhibits enhanced adhesive performance and reduces oozing and incidence of food occlusion. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a denture adhesive composition comprising: preparing a mixture which comprises a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition; forming a denture adhesive composition including the mixture; and recovering the denture adhesive composition. A method of making a denture adhesive composition more adhesive and less oozing is disclosed as well. This method comprises adding to the denture adhesive composition a polymeric activator in an amount of up to about 3 percent by weight based on the total weight of the denture adhesive composition.

Abstract: An adhesive for dental resin composite materials is disclosed, which comprises (a) from 10 to 40 parts by weight of tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate; (b) from 90 to 60 parts by weight of one or more methacrylates having at least one unsaturated double bond in one molecule thereof; and (c) from 0.04 to 0.12 part by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the monomer mixture consisting of (a) and (b), of a photopolymerization initiator, the adhesive for dental resin composite materials of the present invention having a proper viscosity, not causing the color remaining, is superior in the operability and esthetics, having further a satisfactory adhesive strength, and is of safe even when used in the mouth.

Abstract: There is provided an aqueous resin composition which does not cause coagulation, can be cured at low temperature, and, by this curing, forms a coating superior in mechanical strength, water resistance, solvent resistance and adhesion to various substrates. The aqueous resin composition of this invention comprises an oxazoline group-containing polymer (A), a carboxyl group-containing polymer (B), and an acidic compound-amine salt catalyst (C). The curing is carried out by a reaction between the oxazoline group-containing polymer (A) and the carboxyl group-containing polymer (B) in the presence of the acidic compound-amine salt catalyst (C).

Abstract: An ocular lens material made of a polymer obtained by polymerizing polymerizable components comprising a monomer of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a group of the formula: ##STR2## wherein R.sup.2 is a C.sub.1-5 alkylene group, and R.sup.3 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, or a group of the formula: ##STR3## wherein R.sup.4 is a direct bond or a C.sub.1-5 alkylene group.

Abstract: Dental restorative compositions of the composite resin/glass ionomer hybrid type and resins used in the compositions. The compositions contain an aromatic-moiety-containing polymerizable resin, a finely divided ion-leachable fluoroaluminosilicate glass filler, a polymerization initiator system, and may contain other components. The aromatic-moiety-containing polymerizable resin has at least one carboxylic acid group and at least one ethylenically unsaturated group such as a (meth)acrylate group. The compositions have improved mechanical strength, improved wear resistance, and sustained long-term fluoride release.

Abstract: The invention provides for a thermoset or thermoplastic gel composition containing a polymer with anhydride groups along the polymer backbone at least at outset of the fabrication process and an extender fluid, optionally including thermally conductive fillers. The gel compositions are useful for sealing wires, vibration dampening, sporting goods, and toys.

Abstract: The present invention provides a (meth)acrylic molding material comprising (A) a (meth)acrylic polymer obtained by polymerization of monomer components essentially containing a monomer having (a) carboxyl group(s) and an alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer, and (B) one or more kinds of monomers containing a vinyl group, wherein 30-600 parts by weight of aluminum hydroxide and 0.01-10 parts by weight of a succinic acid derivative are added for 100 parts by weight of the total of said polymer (A) and monomer (B). The (meth)acrylic molding material is thickened by aluminum hydroxide and the thickening behavior is controlled by the succinic acid derivative to prevent the viscosity from increasing with time, accordingly, the (meth)acrylic molding material shows good workability.

Abstract: A light weight, vibration-damping composition having effective amounts of at least one butyl rubber, at least one tackifying resin, at least one pigment and substantially spherical microspheres is disclosed. The present composition has a specific gravity of about 1.0 to 1.2 and has effective damping effects at low temperatures as well as temperatures up to about 60.degree. C. This composition is effective for use in the transportation industry, the building industry, the aerospace industry and the appliance industry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of two-coat finishes, in which a pigmented aqueous basecoat is applied, the basecoat obtained is coated over with a clearcoat, and basecoat and clearcoat are baked together. The process according to the invention is distinguished in that the aqueous basecoat contains a polyacrylate resin which has been prepared using furfuryl acrylate and/or furfuryl methacrylate.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive(PSA) composition includes a latex system of an aqueous polymer dispersion derived from ethylenically-unsaturated monomers in the presence of a water soluble protective colloid. The PSA compositions are used in the manufacture of a variety of articles that are intended to be easily attachable to another substrate by the application of pressure alone.

Abstract: A denture adhesive composition contains a denture adhesive and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier in which the denture adhesive is a salt of a copolymer of maleic acid or anhydride and a 1 to 5 carbon atom alkyl vinyl ether having a specific viscosity of at least 4.0. The denture adhesive composition is used to adhere a denture to the oral mucosa.

Abstract: An antifouling coating composition comprising a biodegradable polymer (A) comprising one or more constituent units (a) capable of imparting biodegradability such as derived from an alkyl vinyl ether, and one or more constituent units (b) derived from e.g. maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride, or an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid monoester, and an antifouling agent is excellent in coating consuming properties, antifouling performance, biodegradability and other properties.

Abstract: An adhesive for dental resin composite materials is disclosed, which comprises (a) from 10 to 40 parts by weight of tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate; (b) from 90 to 60 parts by weight of one or more methacrylates having at least one unsaturated double bond in one molecule thereof; and (c) from 0.04 to 0.12 part by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the monomer mixture consisting of (a) and (b), of a photopolymerization initiator, the adhesive for dental resin composite materials of the present invention having a proper viscosity, not causing the color remaining, is superior in the operability and esthetics, having further a satisfactory adhesive strength, and is of safe even when used in the mouth.

Abstract: This invention relates to a formaldehyde-free curable aqueous composition containing a polyacid, a polyol and a phosphorous-containing accelerator. The composition may be used as a binder for heat resistant nonwovens such as nonwovens composed of fiberglass.

Abstract: An improved denture fixative composition comprising an adhesion promoter and a highly cross-linked copolymer of a lower alkyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride or acid is disclosed wherein at least 65.0% of the total number of initial carboxyl groups in the copolymer are reacted. The cross-linking agent employed in this invention is calcium cation and optionally up to about 30.0% of the calcium function can be replaced with other inorganic cross-linking agents or polyhydroxy compounds either singly or in combination. The adhesion promoters are chelating agents such as polycarboxylic acids, hydroxycarboxylic acids, aminocarboxylic acids, polyphosphoric acids and their alkali salts.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic cement and resultant hydraulic cement composition which has an alkyl terminated alkoxy amine derivative of maleic acid based polymer or copolymer uniformly distributed therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to latex compositions having desirable wet adhesion and other rheological properties. The processes of the invention allow for preparation of a first polymer which, upon addition of a base or neutralizing agent, substantially dissolves the first polymer, thereby providing a medium for polymerization of a second polymer, stabilizing the second polymer and acting as a dispersant for other coating composition components such as pigments, coalescents, fillers and the like.

Abstract: In a liquid crystalline optical device, a light modulating layer composed of a liquid crystal and a high polymer resin is sandwiched between two substrates having electrode layers, at least one of the substrates being transparent. The polymer is a compound which is obtained by photopolymerization of a prepolymer containing a (meth)acryloyl compound having a stilbene skeleton, or a (meth)acryloyl compound including dioxane group or dioxolane group. The liquid crystalline optical device can be driven with a lower applied voltage and exhibits a reduced hysteresis.

Abstract: An alkenylsuccinic acid emulsion sizing agent having a solid concentration of at least 30% by weight, which comprises an active component comprising:(1) from 70 to 95 parts by weight of an alkenylsuccinic acid obtained by reacting a branched internal olefin having 12 to 18 carbon atoms with maleic anhydride; and(2) from 5 to 30 parts by weight of an oxidized wax; andwherein the active component is dispersed in water using a high-molecular weight dispersion stabilizer or a mixed system of a high-molecular weight dispersion stabilizer with an emulsifier.

Abstract: An alkenylsuccinic emulsion sizing agent comprising an active component comprising a mixture of(1) from 50 to 100 parts by weight of an alkenylsuccinic acid obtained by reacting a linear internal olefin having 10 to 14 carbon atoms with maleic anhydride; and(2) from 0 to 50 parts by weight of one or more components selected from the group consisting of rosin, rosin derivatives, tall oil, fatty acids, petroleum resins and paraffin wax; andwherein the active component is dispersed in water using an emulsifier and/or a high-molecular weight dispersion stabilizer.

Abstract: Disclosed are optically clear xerogel polymer compositions containing an interpenetrant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an aqueous anionic acrylic dispersion produced bya) dispersing an acrylic resin, having functional groups selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid groups, carboxylic anhydride groups or mixtures thereof in water in the presence of a tertiary amine andb) reacting the carboxylic acid groups on the acrylic resin with an organic compound having at least two oxirane groups,a basecoat and a rheology control agent comprising said aqueous anionic acrylic dispersion, a method of coating a substrate with said dispersion and the coated substrate.

Abstract: A latex binder composition which is the reaction product of a conjugated diene monomer and a vinyl-substituted aromatic monomer along with minor amounts of other comonomers including acrylamide or a derivative thereof, methacrylic acid, N-methylolacrylamide, and optional unsaturated carboxylic acids, has an average particle size of less than 1,500 .ANG.. The latex binder which has good stability can be used on nonwoven cellulosic based substrates to impart high wet tensile strength thereto.

Abstract: A random copolymer in free acid or salt form having the following types and numbers of monomer units; ##STR1## in which M is hydrogen or a residue of a hydrophobic polyalkylene glycol or polysiloxane,R is an C.sub.2-6 alkylene radical,R.sub.1 is a C.sub.1-20 alkyl, C.sub.6-9 cycloalkyl or phenyl group,x,y and z are numbers from 1 to 100,m is a number from 1 to 100,n is a number from 10 to 100,with the provisos, thati) the ratio of x to (y+z) is from 1:10 to 10:1 inclusive,ii) the ratio of z:y is from 5:1 to 100:1, andiii) m+n=15-100.The copolymers are useful as additives in cementitious compositions.

Abstract: A novel aqueous polymeric formulation is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making the polymeric formulation, and of using the polymeric formulation to produce a crosslinked polymeric surface coating on a substrate. One embodiment of the novel polymeric formulation comprises an aqueous carrier; at least one polymeric-ingredient; a non-polymeric polyfunctional amine; and base. The one polymeric ingredient has both acid-functional and acetoacetoxy-type functional pendant moieties. The non-polymeric polyfunctional amine has at least two amine-functional moieties. The amount of base contained within the formulation is effective for inhibiting gellation, which would otherwise occur as a result of crosslinking between the acetoacetoxy-type functional and amine-functional moieties. Another embodiment of the novel polymeric formulation comprises at least two polymeric ingredients, one of which has acetoacetoxy-type functional pendant moieties and the other of which has acid-functional pendant moieties.

Abstract: Provided is an ink composition suitable for an ink jet system, which comprises a pigment or a dye, an aqueous medium, a water soluble resin having an oxazolyl group or a fine particle having an oxazolyl group adsorbed on its outer surface and a compound having at least one carbonyl group wherein the composition has a viscosity of not more than 15 cp at 25.degree. C.

Abstract: A novel denture adhesive composition contains an adhesive mixture comprising sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and, either a partially neutralized sodium, magnesium, zinc mixed salt or a partially neutralized magnesium, zinc mixed salt of an alkyl vinyl ether maleic acid copolymer.

Abstract: A denture adhesive composition contains a denture adhesive and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier in which the denture adhesive is a salt of a copolymer of maleic acid or anhydride and a 1 to 5 carbon atom alkyl vinyl ether having a specific viscosity of at least 4.0. The denture adhesive composition is used to adhere a denture to the oral mucosa.