Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for modifying rheology of coating colour and its use. The composition comprises an aqueous polymer dispersion, comprising a copolymer of monomer (a), which is at least one optionally substituted styrene, and monomer (b), which is at least one C1-C4-alkyl (meth)acrylate. The copolymer has a particle size D50<100 nm. Composition comprises also degraded starch having an average molecular weight Mn<1000 g/mol.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous polymer dispersion having a viscosity of ?150 m Pas at 40% solids content and comprising polymer particles having a particle size D50 less than 85 nm. The polymer dispersion is obtainable by free radical emulsion copolymerisation of at least monomer (a) and monomer (b), where monomer (a) is at least one optionally substituted styrene and monomer (b) is at least one C1-C4-alkyl (meth)acrylate, in a reaction mixture comprising degraded starch which has an average molecular weight Mn<1000 g/mol. The invention relates also to the use of the polymer dispersion and method for preparing it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing an aqueous dispersion of a polymer P, which comprises the emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate, an acrylate monomer, which is a C1-C10 alkyl acrylate or a C1-C10 methacrylate, an ?,?-ethlyenically unsaturated C3-C8 carboxylic acid and at least one out of glycidyl methacrylate, glycidyl acrylate, allyl methacrylate and allyl acrylate, in the presence of a starch derivative. Optionally, an additional monomer is an ethylenically unsaturated sulfonic acid, an ethylenically unsaturated other monomer or both of them. Furthermore, the aqueous polymer dispersion obtainable from this process and a powder form thereof are disclosed. They are useful for a paper coating slip containing one of the aforementioned forms. A paper or a cardboard, which is coated with the paper coating slip, shows surface strength, which is expressed by a good dry pick resistance, a good wet pick resistance or good offset test results.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling size distribution of formed polymer particles during preparation of aqueous polymer dispersion. The method comprises obtaining an aqueous polysaccharide solution, which comprises about 10 to 40 weight-% polysaccharide containing a free hydroxyl group, such as starch, and polymerising in the polysaccharide solution in the presence of a graft-linking, water-soluble redox system about 30 to 60 weight-% of at least one optionally substituted styrene, about 60 to 30 weight-% of at least one C1-C4-alkyl(meth)acrylate, and 0 to about 10 weight-% of other ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomers. The size distribution of the formed polymer particles is controlled by adjusting viscosity of the polysaccharide solution before the polymerisation to a level less than about 20 mPas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving rheological properties of an aqueous pigment slurry. In the method dispersion agent is added to an aqueous phase of a slurry comprising pigment particles or to the aqueous phase into which the pigment particles are to be added. The dispersion agent comprises styrene acrylate copolymer. The invention relates also to dispersion agent for a pigment slurry comprising a first component comprising styrene acrylate copolymer and a second component comprising a conventional dispersion agent, such as a straight-chain polyacrylate.

Abstract: Binder for granular and/or fibrous substrates.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling size distribution of formed polymer particles during preparation of aqueous polymer dispersion. The method comprises obtaining an aqueous polysaccharide solution, which comprises about 10 to 40 weight-% polysaccharide containing a free hydroxyl group, such as starch, and polymerising in the polysaccharide solution in the presence of a graft-linking, water-soluble redox system about 30 to 60 weight-% of at least one optionally substituted styrene, about 60 to 30 weight-% of at least one C1-C4-alkyl (meth)acrylate, and 0 to about 10 weight-% of other ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomers. The size distribution of the formed polymer particles is controlled by adjusting viscosity of the polysaccharide solution before the polymerisation to a level less than about 20 mPas.

Abstract: A method for producing starch-based compositions, and the composition produced therewith, for use as latex substitutes for full or partial latex replacement in applications such as carpet backing.

Abstract: The invention provides protein adhesives containing certain additives and methods of making and using such adhesives. The protein adhesives contain ground plant meal or an isolated polypeptide composition obtained from plant biomass in combination with certain additives, such as an exfoliated clay or partially exfoliated clay.

Abstract: An intumescent coating composition and a process for curing the coating to obtain an intumescent coating is provided. The intumescent coating composition contains a thermoplastic polymer which comprises as a copolymerized component, an acid (meth)acrylate or a copolymerizable polyfunctional carboxylic acid; at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer; an azo or organic peroxide initiator; an acid source; a carbon source; and a gas source.

Abstract: Described is an aqueous polymer dispersion comprising a chain growth addition polymer obtainable via free-radically initiated emulsion polymerization from ethylenically unsaturated, free-radically polymerizable monomers, wherein the chain growth addition polymer is formed to an extent of not less than 60 wt % from primary monomers selected from vinylaromatic compounds, conjugated aliphatic dienes, vinyl esters of saturated C1- to C20-carboxylic acids, esters of acrylic acid or of methacrylic acid with monohydric C1- to C20-alcohols, aliphatic hydrocarbons having 2 to 8 carbon atoms and one or two double bonds, or mixtures thereof, wherein the monomers are polymerized in the presence of lignosulfonate and wherein the chain growth addition polymer is branched or crosslinked. Also described is a process for preparing the aqueous polymer dispersion. The polymer dispersion is useful for preparing paper coating compositions.

Abstract: A finely divided, starch-containing polymer dispersion which is obtainable by free radical emulsion polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of at least one redox initiator and starch, wherein (a) from 0 to less than 40% by weight of at least one optionally substituted styrene, (b) from greater than 60 to 100% by weight of at least one C1-C12-alkyl acrylate and/or C1-C12-alkyl methacrylate, (c) from 0 to 10% by weight of at least one other ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomer, are used as the ethylenically unsaturated monomers, the sum (a)+(b)+(c) being 100% and being based on the active monomer content and (d) from 15 to 40% by weight of at least one degraded starch which has a molar mass Mw of from 1000 to 65000 g/mol, based on the total weight of solids content of components (a)+(b)+(c)+(d), are used as the starch, and the polymerization being carried out in the presence of at least 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving rheological properties of an aqueous pigment slurry. In the method dispersion agent is added to an aqueous phase of a slurry comprising pigment particles or to the aqueous phase into which the pigment particles are to be added. The dispersion agent comprises styrene acrylate copolymer. The invention also relates to a dispersion agent for a pigment slurry comprising a first component comprising styrene acrylate copolymer and a second component comprising a conventional dispersion agent, such as a straight-chain polyacrylate.

Abstract: Finely divided, starch-containing polymer dispersions which are obtainable by free radical emulsion polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of at least one redox initiator and starch, (a) from 30 to 60% by weight of at least one optionally substituted styrene, (b) from 1 to 60% by weight of at least one C1-C12-alkyl acrylate and/or C1-C12-alkyl methacrylate, (c) from 0 to 10% by weight of at least one other ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomer, being used as ethylenically unsaturated monomers and (d) from 15 to 40% by weight of at least one degraded starch which has a molar mass Mw of from 1000 to 65 000 g/mol being used as the starch, the sum (a)+(b)+(c)+(d) being 100% and being based on the total solids content, and the polymerization being carried out in the presence of at least 0.

Abstract: Described are aqueous polymer dispersions and methods of making them. The polymer dispersions are obtainable by free-radically initiated emulsion polymerization of 19.9 to 80 parts by weight of vinylaromatic compounds, 19.9 to 80 parts by weight of acrylate monomers selected from C1-C10 alkyl acrylates and C1-C10 alkyl methacrylates, 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of ethylenically unsaturated acids, and 0 to 20 parts by weight of other ethylenically unsaturated monomers, wherein the emulsion polymerization is effected in an aqueous medium in the presence of free-radical initiators, seed latex and also at least one carbohydrate compound in the form of a degraded starch. The polymer dispersions are particularly useful in the manufacture of paper coating slips.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling size distribution of formed polymer particles during preparation of aqueous polymer dispersion. The method comprises obtaining an aqueous polysaccharide solution, which comprises about 10 to 40 weight-% polysaccharide containing a free hydroxyl group, such as starch, and polymerising in the polysaccharide solution in the presence of a graft-linking, water-soluble redox system about 30 to 60 weight-% of at least one optionally substituted styrene, about 60 to 30 weight-% of at least one C1-C4-alkyl (meth)acrylate, and 0 to about 10 weight-% of other ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomers. The size distribution of the formed polymer particles is controlled by adjusting viscosity of the polysaccharide solution before the polymerisation to a level less than about 20 mPas.

Abstract: The invention provides aqueous binder systems comprising at least one polymeric carboxylic acid, at least one saccharide compound and at least one alkanolamine having at least two hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: Cyclodextrin compositions including one or more radiation polymerizable monomers and a cyclodextrin inclusion complex, the cyclodextrin inclusion complex including a cyclodextrin compound and an olefinic inhibitor of an ethylene generation in produce, are coated onto packaging materials and cured. Treated containers and treated package inserts having the cured cyclodextrin compositions are useful in packaging of respiring plant materials.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of aqueous polymer dispersions is described, a vinylaromatic compound, such as, for example, styrene, a conjugated aliphatic diene, such as, for example, butadiene, and an ethylenically unsaturated carbonitrile, such as, for example, acrylonitrile, being copolymerized in an aqueous medium. The copolymerization is effected in the presence of a degraded starch and of free radical initiators. At least part of the monomers differing from ethylenically unsaturated carbonitriles are polymerized before the ethylenically unsaturated carbonitriles are added to the polymerization mixture.

Abstract: A curable aqueous binder composition includes a dispersion of biopolymer particles, optionally with and an inter-particle crosslinking agent, for use in the formation of composite materials such as mineral, natural organic, or synthetic fiber products, including mineral fiber insulation, non-woven mats, fiberglass insulation and related glass fiber products, and wood based products, and construction materials. In an application of the curable aqueous composition to making fiberglass insulation, the composition may be blended with a second resin which may be a non-formaldehyde resin. In an application of the composition to making fiberglass roofing shingles, the biopolymer particles may be mixed into a formaldehyde based resin during or after the polymerization of the resin.

Abstract: Finely divided, starch-containing polymer dispersions which are obtainable by free radical emulsion polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of at least one redox initiator and starch, (a) from 30 to 60% by weight of at least one optionally substituted styrene, (b) from 1 to 60% by weight of at least one C1-C12-alkyl acrylate and/or C1-C12-alkyl methacrylate, (c) from 0 to 10% by weight of at least one other ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomer, being used as ethylenically unsaturated monomers and (d) from 15 to 40% by weight of at least one degraded starch which has a molar mass Mw of from 1000 to 65 000 g/mol being used as the starch, the sum (a)+(b)+(c)+(d) being 100% and being based on the total solids content, and the polymerization being carried out in the presence of at least 0.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions consisting essentially of starch and lecithin. The disclosure also relates to processes for preparing the compositions consisting essentially of a starch and lecithin. Further, the disclosure relates to uses of compositions consisting essentially of starch and lecithin, or compositions comprising starch and lecithin, in the preparation of paper products that have oil and grease resistant properties, and/or release properties. Further, the disclosure relates to paper products that include lecithin-containing compositions and to paper products resulting from the processes herein.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of aqueous polymer dispersions is described, a vinylaromatic compound, such as, for example, styrene, a conjugated aliphatic diene, such as, for example, butadiene, and an ethylenically unsaturated carbonitrile, such as, for example, acrylonitrile, being copolymerized in an aqueous medium. The copolymerization is effected in the presence of a degraded starch and of free radical initiators. At least part of the monomers differing from ethylenically unsaturated carbonitriles are polymerized before the ethylenically unsaturated carbonitriles are added to the polymerization mixture.

Abstract: Finely divided, starch-containing polymer dispersions which are obtainable by free radical emulsion copolymerization of (a) from 25 to 50% by weight of at least one optionally substituted styrene, methyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile and/or methacrylonitrile, (b) from 1 to 49% by weight of at least one C1-C4-alkyl acrylate and/or one C2-C4-alkyl methacrylate, (c) from 1 to 49% by weight of at least one C5-C22-alkyl acrylate and/or one C5-C22-alkyl methacrylate and (d) from 0 to 10% by weight of at least one other ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomer and (e) from 15 to 40% by weight of a degradable starch which has a molar mass Mw of from 1000 to 65 000 the sum (a)+(b)+(c)+(d)+(e) being 100% and being based on the total solids content, in the presence of redox initiators and at least 0.

Abstract: A water-soluble film which comprises a saceharide component and a vinyl alcohol resin component, where the vinyl alcohol resin may include functional comonomer units such as sulfonic acid functional groups or salts thereof. Preferred are polyvinyl alcohol/2-methylacrylamido-2 methyl propane sulfonic acid resins (PVOH/AMPS) which may be purchased commercially with relatively higher or relatively lower characteristic viscosity. The films exhibit superior resistance to aggressive oxidizing chemicals and remain soluble in water after prolonged exposure thereto. The films are particularly useful for unit-dose packaging of chlorine-containing pool chemicals, such as trichloroisocyanuric acid.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of aqueous polymer dispersions comprising at least one lipophilic active substance by emulsion polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers in an aqueous medium in the presence of at least one lipophilic active substance, wherein (i) at least one lipophilic active substance which has a water solubility of not more than 5 g/l (determined at 25° C. and 1013 mbar) and a melting point below 130° C.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing lignocellulosic board panels. The process comprises providing lignocellulosic material and an adhesive system. The adhesive system comprises (a) a base adhesive resin and (b) an extender and/or filler material comprising sugar beet material. The adhesive system (i) retains substantial moisture in the lignocellulosic material, and/or (ii) creates a relatively higher initial viscosity, and/or (iii) maintains a substantially stable viscosity thereof over time. The lignocellulosic material is combined with adhesive system. The combined lignocellulosic material and adhesive is then formed into the lignocellulosic board panels.

Abstract: A polymer dispersion is prepared by copolymerization of from 20 to 70 parts by weight of a monomer mixture comprising a) from 2.5 to 100% by weight of one or more (meth)acrylates of monohydric, saturated C3-C8-alcohols as monomers A and b) from 0 to 97.5% by weight of one or more further ethylenically unsaturated monomers as monomers B in 100 parts by weight of an aqueous solution which contains from 5 to 35% by weight of a starch or of a starch derivative by emulsion polymerization in the presence of an initiator containing peroxide groups, by a process in which the initiator and monomers are metered in continuously and wherein, a first amount of initiator is metered in over a first feed period of from 5 to 60 minutes and a second amount of initiator is metered in over a second feed period of from 15 to 180 minutes, the first amount of initiator being greater than the second amount of initiator.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate type polyester that comprises one unit % or more of 3-hydroxy-&ohgr;-(4-vinylphenyl)alkanoic acid units. A microbial production method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a starch-based polymer dispersion, which contains a copolymer of starch with monomers. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of said dispersion and its use as a surface sizing additive for paper and as a wet- and dry-strengthener for paper which is added to the wet end of the paper machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having at least one component (e.g. tread) of a rubber composition comprised of a styrene/butadiene elastomer composite comprised of a styrene/butadiene elastomer and a functionalized styrene/butadiene elastomer containing an internal silicon atom therein as a part of the elastomer, and at least one pendent silanol group and/or siloxy group from said silicon atom. Said elastomer composite is comprised of a significant polymodal (e.g. bimodal) molecular weight distribution between said styrene/butadiene elastomer and said functionalized styrene/butadiene elastomer. Said rubber composition contains synthetic, precipitated silica aggregates having hydroxyl groups on their surface which may be pre-treated (hydrophobated) to reduce hydroxyl groups contained on their surface prior to blending with said styrene/butadiene composite. Said rubber composition may contain a dispersion therein of a silica/plasticizer composite.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) having a desired configuration is produced using a raw material containing &ohgr;-(4-vinylphenyl)-alkanoic acid and (&ohgr;-substituted alkanoic acid in which a group having a ring structure selected from phenyl, thienyl, and cyclohexyl structures substitutes therefor on the end thereof by producing a PHA copolymer containing the corresponding 3-hydroxy-&ohgr;-(4-vinylphenyl)-alkanoate unit and the corresponding 3-hydroxy-&ohgr;-substituted alkanoate unit by making use of a microorganism capable of producing the PHA or by oxidizing a predetermined portion of the corresponding PHA.

Abstract: The invention relates to the utilization of aqueous polymer dispersions or of polymer powders which can be redispersed in water and which are based on protective colloid-stabilized aromatic vinyl-1,3-diene-copolymers in adhesive formulations used in the building industry, whereby the polymer dispersion and the polymer powders are produced by emulsion polymerization of a mixture containing at least one aromatic vinyl and at least one 1,3-diene in the presence of one or more protective colloids, without using an emulsifier, and by optionally drying of the aqueous polymer dispersion obtained thereby.

Abstract: In a process for the metal-catalyzed preparation of copolymers of carbon monoxide and an olefinically unsaturated compound having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms in an aqueous medium, the copolymerization is carried out in the presence of a water-soluble macromolecular host compound which has a hydrophobic cavity and a hydrophilic shell.

Abstract: Fibrous product is externally sized by applying to the material a basic aqueous dispersion of an interpolymer of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer and an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid comonomer. The preferred dispersions which have lower initial viscosities provide dispersion/starch dilute solutions with higher viscosities and improved external sizing effectiveness. Resulting fibrous products are adequately sized and exhibit excellent printability and strength properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to aqueous polymer dispersions obtained by free radical emulsion copolymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising (a) 30 to 60% by weight of at least one optionally substituted styrene, (b) 60 to 30% by weight of at least one C1-C4-alkyl (meth)acrylate, and (c) 0 to 10% by weight of other ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomers, in the presence of (d) 10 to 40% by weight of degraded starch having a molecular weight Mn of 500 to 10,000, and (e) a graft-linking, water-soluble redox system as free radical initiator for the free radical emulsion copolymerization, wherein the sum (a)+(b)+(c)+(d) is 100%.

Abstract: Heterophasic compositions comprising starch and a thermoplastic polymer that is incompatible with the starch, in which the starch constitutes the discontinuous phase and the thermoplastic polymer the continuous matrix, having an impact strength greater than 30 KJ/m2 (measured on blown film of 30 microns thick at 10° C. and RH less than 5%), and further characterised by the presence in the X-ray diffraction spectrum of a peak at an angle 2-theta from 13 to 14° the ratio of the intensity of which to that of the peak of the amorphous starch which occurs at 20.5°, is less than 2 and greater than 0.02.

Abstract: Heterophasic compositions comprising starch and a thermoplastic polymer that is incompatible with the starch, in which the starch constitutes the discontinuous phase and the thermoplastic polymer the continuous matrix, having an impact strength greater than 30 KJ/m2 (measured on blown film of 30 microns thick at 10° C. and RH less than 5%), and further characterised by the presence in the X-ray diffraction spectrum of a peak at an angle 2-theta from 13 to 14° the ratio of the intensity of which to that of the peak of the amorphous starch which occurs at 20.5°, is less than 2 and greater than 0.02.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel aqueous emulsion polymers obtained by free-radical initiated addition polymerization of at least one monomer in the presence of degraded starch and at least one polymeric emulsifier from the series of sulfo-containing maleic anhydride copolymers and/or sulfo-containing oligourethanes with a branched molecular structure. The invention further relates the use of such emulsion polymers as surface sizing agents for paper and paperlike materials.

Abstract: A water-dispersible, water- and oil-repellent agent, which comprises an aqueous emulsion comprising a copolymer of a fluoroalkyl group-containing monomer with vinylidene chloride or benzyl (meth)acrylate and a carboxyl group-containing, water-soluble polymer, dispersed in water by a nonionic surfactant, preferably the carboxyl group-containing, water-soluble polymer is used together with a sugar alcohol, contains no organic solvent and has a distinguished freeze-thaw stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing an expandable polymer of a vinyl aromatic monomer and a polar water adsorbing monomer. The monomers are partially polymerized and then suspended in water so that the resulting beads contain from 3 to 40 weight % water which act as the sole or a predominant blowing agent.

Abstract: Sizing agents comprised of dispersed synthetic polymers in an aqueous solution are provided, as well as methods for making these sizing agents and methods for using these sizing agents to size paper. Improved sizing is obtained by including recurring units of methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate and/or propyl acrylate in the synthetic polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are starch stabilized polymeric emulsions. Persulfate salts degrade starch to give it suitable characteristics, and then also, essentially simultaneously, initiate polymerization with monomers. This permits a single reaction condition to be used for both the degradation step and the polymerization step, and avoids the need for use of metallic ions such as iron.

Abstract: Aqueous polymer dispersions containing polymers obtainable by free-radical polymerization of unsaturated monomers, and sugared starch, and the use thereof.

Abstract: Suspension polymers having high swellability have low contents of soluble fractions if aliphatic peroxy esters are used as polymerization initiators.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the preparation of a starch copolymer product which is the reaction product of starch and one or more synthetic monomers capable of undergoing free radical polymerization wherein the reaction product is in the form of an emulsion or dispersion having weight-average particle sizes less than 180 nm as measured by Capillary Hydrodynamic Fractionation.

Abstract: Water soluable, aqueous salt solution dispersible polymers and aqueous salt solutions containing dispersed polymers are produced by polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated soluble monomers in an aqueous salt solution in the presence of at least one carbohydrate. The polymers and aqueous salt solutions containing the dispersed polymers are useful for paper making, water clarification and emulsion breaking.

Abstract: Latex paint compositions containing water, pigment and a latex wherein the latex is prepared by emulsion polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the presence of 0.1 to 0.2 pphm of at least one hydrophobically modified starch having the structure ##STR1## In the above structure, St is a starch base material, R.sup.1 is a dimethylene or trimethylene group, R.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, aralkyl and aralkenyl groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and ammonium. The hydrophobically modified starch is the reaction product of starch and an anhydride moiety and provides the latex paint with improved rheological properties and allows for easier spreading and less dripping of paint.

Abstract: A polymer scale preventive agent for use in polymerization of a monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond, comprising an alkaline solution containing (A) a condensation product having a molecular weight of 400 to 50,000 obtained by condensing a quinone compound. This agent is applied to the inner wall surfaces of a polymerization vessel, and dried to form a coating. Such a vessel is effective in preventing polymer scale deposition, not only on the areas located in the liquid-phase region but also on the areas around the interface between the gas and liquid phases in the vessel, and is useful in producing a polymer that shows few fish eyes and good whiteness when formed into sheets or the like.

Abstract: Water soluble macromers are modified by addition of free radical polymerizable groups, such as those containing a carbon-carbon double or triple bond, which can be polymerized under mild conditions to encapsulate tissues, cells, or biologically active materials. The polymeric materials are particularly useful as tissue adhesives, coatings for tissue lumens including blood vessels, coatings for cells such as islets of Langerhans, coatings, plugs, supports or substrates for contact with biological materials such as the body, and as drug delivery devices for biologically active molecules.