Abstract: Process of gelification of aqueous medium with a copolyester oligomer comprising essentially oxyalkylenated or ocycycloalkylenated or polyoxyalkylenated dicarboxylate units at least 35 mole % of said units being similar units of which the correspondent homolymer is crystalline, at least 7 mole % of said units being bearing units of hydrophobic(s) sulfonated functions, the molecular mass in weight of said copolyesters oligomer being less than 20,000. For example: the terephtalic polyoxyethylenated sulfonated oligomers of high content of polyethyleneterephtalate.

Abstract: Emulsions are disclosed which contain (a) an aqueous carrier and (b) a polymer mixture of (1) 40-99.5% by weight of a copolymer with a weight average molecular weight of at least 3000; and (2) 0.5-60% by weight of a stabilizing copolymer dispersed in water, wherein the stabilizing copolymer comprises a structured polymer having a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion, wherein said structured polymer is selected from the group consisting of (i) polymers comprising 5-95% by weight of a hydrophilic macromonomer having at least 10% of an acid functional monomer and 5-95% by weight of at least one hydrophobic monomer polymerized in the presence of the macromonomer; and (ii) polymers comprising 5-95% by weight of a hydrophobic macromonomer and 5-95% by weight of hydrophilic copolymer comprising at least 10% of an acid functional monomer polymerized in the presence of the macromonomer.

Abstract: This invention relates to an asphalt modifier comprising 5˜30 wt. %. of solubilized styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer and 70˜95 wt. % of solubilized styrene-butadiene latex, which has an excellent resistance property against plastic deformation, while preventing the occurrence of crack at a low temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to dispersions, especially cosmetic dispersions, comprising an aqueous phase containing a polymer comprising water-soluble units and units with an LCST.

Abstract: This invention, with the object of producing a porous polymer from a water-in-oil type high internal phase emulsion, provides a method for the production of a porous polymer comprising a step of applying a physical treatment such as shaving to the surface of a porous polymer obtained by polymerizing the emulsion. By the physical treatment, it is made possible to diminish the difference in texture between the surface part and the inner part of the porous polymer and improve efficiently the absorption property of the porous polymer.

Abstract: The coating composition of the invention includes a polymer, especially an acrylic polymer, having hydroxyl and/or primary carbamate functionality; a water-miscible organic solvent; a low hydrogen bonding oxygenated solvent; and water that is emulsified in the organic phase. The coating composition of the invention may be a clearcoat coating composition, preferably an automotive clearcoat coating composition. The invention further provides an article, such as an automotive vehicle, having a surface coated with a coating derived from the coating composition of the invention, particularly a composite coating having a basecoat layer and a clearcoat layer, and a method of producing such a coating on a substrate, particularly as a basecoat/clearcoat composite coating, with the coating composition of the invention preferably being at least the clearcoat of the composite coating.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing aqueous polymer dispersions having a high solids content of more than 60% by polymerizing one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers by means of free-radically initiated aqueous emulsion polymerization in the presence of from 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of emulsifier, based on the overall weight of the monomers, and in the presence of initiator, wherein the emulsifier in an amount of from 0.001 to 0.5% by weight, based on the overall weight of the water in the initial charge, is included in the initial charge together with a fraction of from 1 to 10% by weight of the monomers, based on the overall weight of the monomers, before the beginning of polymerization, and the remainder of emulsifier and the remainder of monomers are metered in after the beginning of polymerization.

Abstract: An encapsulation process including: (a) forming an emulsion composed of a continuous phase comprising a first liquid, a cationic material, and an anionic material, and a disperse phase composed of a plurality of droplets of a second liquid, wherein a number of the droplets includes therein one to five particles; and (b) inducing complex coacervation of the cationic material and the anionic material to form a shell around each of the droplets.

Abstract: Dispersions of hybrid polyurethane particles are made using miniemulsion techniques. An isocyanate-terminated prepolymer and a monomer are mixed and dispersed in an aqueous phase to form a dispersion of droplets. All droplets are polymerized and chain-extended in one step to form hybrid particles containing a polyurethane and a polymer of the monomer. This process provides a simple method of making hybrid particles, in which particle size and the number of particles is controlled in the mixing step. The hybrid particles often have a core-shell morphology, with the polyurethane being concentrated in the shell and the polymer being concentrated in the center of the particle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous polymerization method for preparing graft copolymers, and copolymer compositions produced therefrom. The method of the present invention includes (a) forming a macromonomer aqueous emulsion containing water insoluble macromonomer particles; (b) forming a monomer composition containing at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and (c) combining at least a portion of the macromonomer aqueous emulsion and at least a portion of the monomer composition and polymerizing the resulting polymerization reaction mixture in the presence of an initiator to form a copolymer composition. The copolymer composition produced contains water insoluble particles of graft copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaustion agent, which is an aqueous emulsion of polymerized monomers, wherein the monomers contain:

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified alkyd polymers and compositions thereof, in which the alkyd polymers are modified with polyol-containing latex compositions and/or diol-containing latex compositions. The invention further relates to compositions prepared from such modified alkyd compositions.

Abstract: Emulsion polymerisations are described in which the monomers include an ethylenically unsaturated ammonium phosphate ester monomer. The processes may be conducted with high total solids, to produce a polymer latex having a solids content in the range 20 to 60%, for instance in the range 25 to 50% by weight. Preferably comonomers include lower alkyl and higher alkyl methacrylate selected to give desirable glass transition temperatures and coalescing films, zwitterionic comonomers, polyethoxylated comonomers to confer desired biocompatibility and latex stability as well as good wetting for a film formed of the polymer and may contain crosslinking monomers, reactive monomers, anionic monomers and/or cationic monomers. The latexes are stable, even when the process is carried out in the substantial absence of non-polymerisable emmulsifier. Coatings formed from the latexes containing zwitterionic comonomer have good biocompatibilising properties.

Abstract: In a coated article comprising an undercoat and an overcoat on a substrate, the undercoat comprising a compound having a hydrolyzable group-bearing silyl group represented by SiX3−a wherein X is a hydrolyzable group and “a” is equal to 0, 1 or 2; and the overcoat is based on a composition comprising a silicone resin-containing emulsion resulting from emulsion polymerization of a mixed solution containing (A-1) a silanol group-bearing silicone resin comprising 30-100 mol % of T units and based on the T units, 30-80 mol % of T-2 units, and having a Mn of at least 500, and (A-2) a radical-polymerizable vinyl monomer. Due to a firm bond between the overcoat and the undercoat, the coated article exhibits a weather and water resistance sufficient to withstand long-term outdoor exposure.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of: preparing an organic mixture of oil, monomers selected among acrylic acid—and methacrylic acid esters and at most 25% of an acrylic or methacrylic monomer having an acide, amide, amine or epoxy group; placing the mixture in mini-emulsion in an aqueous phase in the presence of a co-solvent, preferably of the polyalkylene glycol type; and copolymerising the monomers in emulsion. When the emulsion is applied in a thin coating on a metal surface, it provides simultaneously a dry appearance, efficient protection and a pre-lubricating effect.

Abstract: A method of preparing a scented ink composition comprising the steps of first preparing a mixture which includes a polymer component consisting of a water soluble polymer selected form the group consisting of acrylic, styrene-maleic anhydride, sulfonated polyester, polyamide, and polyurethene. A color component which is selected from the group consisting of a pigment and a dye, and a solvent component comprising water are also provided. The mixture is then agitated. An oil-based fragrance is then blended into this mixture to produce a scented mixture and is then agitated. A microemulsion of the oil-based fragrance in water is created, wherein the resin stabilizes the microdroplets of the oil-based fragrance by coating the microdroplets. Preferably, the microdroplets of the oil-based fragrance have a diameter of from about 0.1 to about 1.0 micrometers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a curing type water base resin composition comprising:

Abstract: The invention relates to resin intermediates and their preparation. The invention also relates to hydroxyl-functional, water-dispersible polymers formed from the intermediates and compositions containing the water-dispersible polymers. A preferred composition of the invention is a zero volatile organic content (VOC), ambient-cure enamel composition which contains a hydroxyl-functional, water-dispersible polyester.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing W/O emulsions having crosslinked water-swollen polymers dispersed therein, by aftertreatment with a redox initiator system to reduce the residual monomer content.

Abstract: Emulsions containing a hydrocarbon liquid in a continuous phase and alcohol and/or water in a dispersed phase. The emulsions are stabilized by an emulsifier and a coupling agent. The emulsifier is a copolymer containing at least one relatively hydrophobic polymeric block of styrene or ring substituted styrene monomer, and at least one relatively hydrophilic polymeric block of at least one monomer, such as ethylene oxide, selected from the group having the formula H(O—R)nOH where R is an aliphatic radical containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and n is a number between 20 and 300. The coupling agent is a copolymer containing at least one polymeric block of styrene or ring substituted styrene monomer, and at least one block being of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon moiety, such as butadiene. In order to stabilize the emulsion against stratification or breakage under heat soak conditions the coupling agent contains the styrene monomer and the hydrocarbon moiety in a weight ratio of from 1:0.

Abstract: A water slurry process is used to prepare a prepreg and to manufacture articles from macrocyclic polyester oligomers. In one embodiment, a process for preparing a water suspension of macrocyclic polyester oligomers includes the steps of contacting a macrocyclic polyester oligomer and a polymerization catalyst with water and a surfactant, and mixing the macrocyclic polyester oligomer and polymerization catalyst with water and the surfactant thereby forming a suspension. In another embodiment, a process for impregnating macrocyclic polyester oligomers for polymerization includes the steps of providing a suspension of a macrocyclic polyester oligomer and a polymerization catalyst in water, applying the suspension to a base material, drying to remove water from the suspension, and pressing the dried suspension to a desired form. In yet another embodiment, a composition of macrocyclic polyester oligomer includes a macrocyclic polyester oligomer, a polymerization catalyst, and water.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for encapsulating solder metal powders and the microencapsulated metal solder in such a way that the metal powder is reliably protected from external oxidizing influences and the capsule only releases the metal powder as a result of the influence of temperature, without the influence of soldering flux.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inverse emulsion polymer composition comprising a copolymer or copolymer salt of N,N,-dimethylacrylamide and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid or acid salts thereof, having a Brookfield viscosity of less than 20,000 Cps at 23° C. and an active polymer concentration of about 25 to about 75 weight percent. The inverse emulsion polymer composition is in a hydrocarbon with a primary surfactant and optionally contains water.

Abstract: A process for preparing a solid particles-containing emulsion comprising mixing an oil droplets-in-water emulsion with lipophilic solid particles or a dispersion thereof, thereby allowing to include the lipophilic solid particles in the oil droplets. The solid particles-containing emulsion can be suitably used in paints, inks for ink jet printers, fiber-treated agents, coating materials, adhesives, skin cosmetics, hair cosmetics, and the like.

Abstract: An aqueous composition is essentially free of organic solvents, plasticizers and additional tackifiers and contains water and 20-99% by weight of a polymer and 1-80% by weight of a filler, the percentages by weight being based on the sum of the components of the aqueous composition, with the exception of water.

Abstract: Dry particulate polymeric products, generally spray dried granules, are made by reverse phase polymerization in a partially water miscible continuous phase in the presence of an ionizable stabilizer which is water soluble when ionized and water insoluble when unionized, with the result that all the contamination in the products can be water soluble or miscible. The products are of value as flocculants and viscosifiers, for instance for cosmetic or pharmaceutical clear gels.

Abstract: Anionic electrodeposition coating compositions for forming matte films containing acrylic resin; alkoxysilyl group containing emulsified polymer produced by a multiple stage emulsion polymerization of unsaturated monomer in the presence of water and a emulsifier, wherein the unsaturated monomer containing alkoxysilyl group-containing unsaturated monomer is present in an amount of 5 to 40% by weight based on a total amount of all the unsaturated monomers used in the multiple stage emulsion polymerization; and crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The invention provides a self etching adhesive dental primer composition, a method of use of the primer composition and a product formed from the primer. The dental product is formed from the primer composition which includes water, surfactant and polymerizable material in suspension in the water. The polymerizable material includes monomers which are water immiscible. Preferably the monomers have an average molecular weight less than 1000. The primer composition is used by applying the composition to unetched dental tooth enamel and the polymerizable material is polymerized to form a dental product having adhesion to the enamel of more than 13 MPa. Improved surfactants which contain at least one ethenically unsaturated polymerizable group are provided in accordance with the invention. Surfactants of the present invention copolymerize with and become an integral part of any polymerizable resin matrix in which they are incorporated.

Abstract: Calcitic and/or siliceous particulate materials are provided with increased resistance to penetration by water, oil or grease damage from water, oil or grease by a process which comprises treating said materials with an aqueous composition containing: (A) from about 0.1 to 4% by weight on a 100% solids basis of an aqueous solution or self-dispersed emulsion or dispersion of a copolymer which is a reaction product of monomers containing fluorinated groups, cationic groups and nonionic groups, optionally (B) an effective amount of a penetration assistant, and (C) water to make up 100%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surfactant composition for emulsion polymerization. The surfactant composition for emulsion polymerization comprises a compound (a) represented by the formula (I) and having a critical micelle concentration (CMC) in the range of from not less than 0.007 mol L−1 to not more than 0.1 mol L−1 and a compound (b) represented by the formula (II) and having a CMC in the range of from not less than 1×10−5 mol L−1 to less than 0.007 mol L−1, as essential components, and the molar ratio of the components (a) to (b) in terms of (a)/(b) is from 5/95 to 75/25: R1O—(A1O)m—SO3M1  (I) R2O—(A2O)n—SO3M2  (II) (in the formulae, R1 and R2 are monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon groups; A1 and A2 are alkylene groups having 2 to 4 carbons; m and n are numbers from 1 to 50; and M1 and M2 are monovalent cations).

Abstract: Organic compounds containing —CH2—CHR—O— and/or —CH2—CH(OH)— groupings (R=H, C1-C4-alkyl) produce, under the action of free radicals, small amounts of C1-C2-aldehydes, the content of which can be reduced to <1 ppm according to the novel process by adding compounds which can react with the aldehyde groups. The materials containing said groupings include many emulsifiers and protective colloids used in polymer chemistry, such as polyethylene glycols, polyvinyl alcohols or ethoxylation products of long-chain alcohols, phenols or amines. The process is of particular importance for the treatment of polymer dispersions which have been prepared by free-radical polymerization of monomers in the presence of such emulsifiers or protective colloids, and permits the preparation of aldehyde-free polymer dispersions and their use for sanitary and hygiene articles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel (meth)acrylate ester-based resin composition which, for example, exhibits various good properties such as weather resistance, heat resistance, water resistance, acid resistance, alkali resistance, warm water resistance, impact resistance, flexibility, processability, adhesion, hardness, and elongation when being used for various uses such as coating agents (e.g. for films, plastics, glass, paper, fibers, leather), pressure sensitive adhesives, and adhesives in addition to various paints (e.g. paints for building exteriors, paints for building materials, paints for metals, paints for plastics, heavy anticorrosive paints, waterproof paints for roofs).

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a powder lacquer composition based on polyester by a) common or separate heating to a temperature of 120-200° C. of A) 99-40 wt. % polyester precondensates, and/or of monomers usable for the preparation thereof, B) 1-60 wt. % pigments and C) 0-10 wt. % wetting additives and/or further additives which are conventionally used for lacquers, wherein the percentages by weight total 100%, b) homogeneous mixing of the components A), B) and C) with the application of shear forces and with the heating temperature maintained, c) dispersion of the mixture obtained in a dispersing medium at a temperature equal to or above the melting temperature of the starting components A), B) and C) with further polycondensation of the polyester precondensate A), and/or of the monomers, d) cooling of the dispersion and addition of a conventional cross-linking agent for the polyester and optionally of conventional additives, within the temperature range 60 to 140° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of spherical, polyester particles, wherein the particle size can be exactly adjusted in the range of 1 to 200 &mgr;m and a particle size distribution with a span (=d90−d10/d50)≦1.5, as well as the use of the produced particles for toner compositions in electrophotographic and direct printing systems and powder coatings.

Abstract: This application relates to flexible, microporous, open-celled polymeric foam materials with physical characteristics that make them suitble for a variety of uses. This application particularly relates to degassing the components of the high internal phase emulsions which are subsequently cured to form such foams.

Abstract: A water-soluble cationic (co)polymer is obtained from a monomer composition comprising, per 100 parts by moles, from 0 to 95 parts of at least one water-soluble monomer of formula (I); 0.20 to 100 parts of at least one cationic water-soluble monomer of formulae (II) or (III); 0 to 60 parts of at least one water-soluble monomer which is potentially anionic by varying the pH; 0 to 90 parts of at least one cationic water-soluble monomer containing only one quaternary amino, of formula (IV); 0 to 10 parts of at least one hydrophobic monomer; 0 to 30 parts by moles of at least one other water-soluble monomer formulae I-IV are defined herein.

Abstract: A process for preparing a water-in-oil emulsion of a water-soluble polymer is disclosed, comprising polymerizing at least one water-soluble vinyl monomer in a water-in-oil emulsion, wherein the dissolved oxygen concentration of the emulsion under polymerization is about 100 ppb or less. The desired emulsion can be obtained without being accompanied by the formation of agglomerates.

Abstract: Emulsion ink, by which clear images are produced, having excellent drying and fixing properties and preservation stability and does not bleed, strike through or leak. The emulsion ink contains an aqueous emulsified ultraviolet cure compound.

Abstract: Microspheres having a particle size of 50 nm to 1 nm and a polydispersity of less than 40%, consisting of a chemically cross-linked starch shell containing an active ingredient, are obtained by preparing an oil-in-water emulsion of the active ingredient in a hydrophobic phase and starch or a dispersion of a solid active ingredient and starch in water, incorporating the oil-in-water emulsion or solid dispersion in an outer hydrophobic phase, particles of the oil-in-water emulsion or solid dispersion being formed in the outer hydrophobic phase, cross-linking the starch or derivative thereof and removing the outer hydrophobic phase if desired.

Abstract: Process for preparing antistatic acrylic polymers wherein the acrylic monomers are polymerized in suspension, said acrylic monomers contain dissolved the antistatic additives selected from the following ones: CnH2n+1CO—N(CH2CH2OH)2  (1) wherein n is an integer ranging from 9 to 13; Cn′H2n′+1N(CH2CH2OH)2  (2) wherein n′ is an integer ranging from 8 to 14; CH2(OR1)CH(OR2)CH2(OR3) or C(CH2OR1)(CH2OR2)(CH2OR3)(CH2OR4)  (3) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 equal to or different from each other, are H or R, wherein R is a saturated or unsaturated C12-C18 alkylcarboxylate, preferably saturated or monounsaturated C18.

Abstract: Composition comprising an oil phase, an aqueous phase, at least one emulsifying agent of water-in-oil (W/O) type and at least one emulsifying agent of oil-in-water (O/W) type in the form of a self-invertible inverse latex comprising from 20% to 70% by weight, and preferably from 25% to 50% by weight of a branched or crosslinked polyelectrolyte, characterized in that the said polyelectrolyte is either a homopolymer based on a monomer having a partially or completely salified strong acid functional group or a copolymer based on at least one monomer having a partially or completely salified strong acid functional group copolymerized with acrylamide and characterized in that the constituent solvent of the oil phase is chosen from white mineral oils, squalane, hydrogenated polyisobutene, isohexadecane or isododecane. Cosmetic, dermocosmetic, dermopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical composition comprising them.

Abstract: Methods and apparati have been developed for producing a suspension of predominately amorphous polymer particles, wherein the method includes thermally treating a suspension that includes crystalline or semi-crystalline polymer particles. The thermal treatment includes (a) heating a suspension of polymer particles of an appropriate size to a temperature effective to cause the polymer to become amorphous, and then (b) cooling the suspension of amorphous polymer particles below the melting point of the polymer at a rate effective to prevent substantial coalescence of the polymer particles. The method and apparati are effective for use with a variety of polymers having suitable crystallization parameters, although polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers are preferred, particularly in an aqueous suspension medium. For PHA polymers, the polymer particles subjected to treatment preferably are of a size of less than 5 &mgr;m, or more preferably less than 1.5 &mgr;m in diameter.

Abstract: Provided is a low volatile organic content (VOC), isocyanate based curable oil-in-water emulsion of a polyisocyanate crosslinker and a surface active isocyanate reactive material in an aqueous medium, and a process for the preparation thereof. Also provided is a water-in-oil intermediate product to which an aqueous medium can be added to produce the curable oil-in-water emulsions. Such curable emulsions are particularly suited for use in coatings applications.

Abstract: Provided is a low volatile organic content (VOC), isocyanate based curable oil-in-water emulsion of a polyisocyanate crosslinker and a surface active isocyanate reactive material in an aqueous medium, and a process for the preparation thereof. Also provided is a water-in-oil intermediate product to which an aqueous medium can be added to produce the curable oil-in-water emulsions. Such curable emulsions are particularly suited for use in coatings applications.

Abstract: An adhesive coated article comprises a layer of microsphere adhesive onto a portion of at least one major surface of a substrate. The microspheres in the adhesive are obtained as the reaction product of (a) at least one alkyl (meth)acrylate ester wherein the alkyl group contains four to about 14 carbon atoms, preferably four to about 10 carbon atoms and (b) a comonomer(s). The comonomer may be a nonpolar, ionic, polar comonomer or mixtures of such monomers. This microsphere adhesive either contains a (meth)acrylamide comonomer or a polyacrylamide material is post-added to the microsphere adhesive. The adhesive exhibits a lower than expected adhesion to coated papers without sacrificing the adhesion to standard uncoated (bond) papers and preferably, the 90° peel adhesion, as measured on Kromkote® paper (used as an industry standard) is in the range of 20 to 250 grams/inch.

Abstract: Linear, branched or crosslinked polymer, capable of being obtained by polymerization of N-alkylacrylamide, in which the alkyl radical is linear or branched and comprises from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, with one or more monomers chosen from cationic monomers, monomers comprising at least one partially salified or completely salified strong acid functional group or monomers comprising at least one partially salified or completely salified weak acid functional group. A method of preparing the polymer is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparati have been developed for producing a suspension of predominately amorphous polymer particles, wherein the method includes thermally treating a suspension that includes crystalline or semi-crystalline polymer particles. The thermal treatment includes (a) heating a suspension of polymer particles of an appropriate size to a temperature effective to cause the polymer to become amorphous, and then (b) cooling the suspension of amorphous polymer particles below the melting point of the polymer at a rate effective to prevent substantial coalescence of the polymer particles. The method and apparati are effective for use with a variety of polymers having suitable crystallization parameters, although polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers are preferred, particularly in an aqueous suspension medium. For PHA polymers, the polymer particles subjected to treatment preferably are of a size of less than 5 &mgr;m, or more preferably less than 1.5 &mgr;m in diameter.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a dispersion based on homopolymers/copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), said dispersion having a bimodal or multimodal distribution of the particle diameters, wherein the fraction of small particles is in the range 1.5-359 by weight calculated on the dry product; the ratio between the average diameter of the small particles with respect to the average diameter of the dispersion obtained from the polymerization being in the range 0.02-0.

Abstract: Method for the manufacture of a phenolic resin emulsion and/or dispersion, wherein an aldehyde, a phenolic compound and an alkaline catalyst are allowed to react at a temperature of 40-100° C. until a desired degree of condensation is achieved, and the pH of the resin is adjusted to a value below 9 using an acid in the presence of a surface active agent or a mixture thereof at a temperature below 100° C. and a phenolic resin emulsion and/or dispersion is obtained providing a colorless or light-colored glue line or surface when cured.

Abstract: A one-step, in-situ, process for producing a high solids content emulsion or dispersion of partially or totally crosslinked urea formaldehyde or melamine formaldehyde resin droplets or particles, by forming a reaction mixture of (i) aqueous formaldehyde (formalin), (ii) at least one water-soluble protective colloid, (iii) water and (iv) optionally a surfactant, and mixing the reaction mixture in a reaction vessel; optionally adjusting the initial pH of the reaction mixture according to a desired value as needed; adding (a) urea, substituted urea, or a mixture thereof, or (b) melamine, substituted melamine, or a mixture thereof, to the reaction mixture; and heating the reaction mixture to a temperature at which condensation takes place between the (a) urea, substituted urea, or the mixture thereof, or (b) melamine substituted melamine, or the mixture thereof, and the formaldehyde to form a urea formaldehyde or melamine formaldehyde resin, and holding the reaction mixture at that temperature or a higher tempera