Abstract: An absorbent cellulose material having an application of superabsorbent polymer adhered to the cellulose material. In particular, the cellulose material has an application of pre-superabsorbent polymer adhered to the material, wherein an aqueous solution of pre-superabsorbent polymer is applied to the cellulose material and converted to superabsorbent polymer upon subjected to heat for a sufficient time. The absorbent cellulose material has a fluid retention of greater then 2g/g.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method for producing an exfoliated nanocomposite. The method involves charging to water, as the continuous phase, monomers, polymerizable surfactant, and water-soluble initiator. The monomers are allowed to polymerize under agitation to form an emulsion of polymers, and the polymerizable surfactant is bound to the polymers so formed, with an ionic end of the polymerizable surfactant extending from the polymers to provide surface charges. Thereafter, a suspension of nanofillers in water is charged to the emulsion. The nanofillers are oppositely charged from the ionic end of the polymerizable surfactant such that they electrostatically bind to the polymers within the emulsion. The water is subsequently decanted to produce a nanocomposite with an exfoliated structure.

Abstract: Novel latex or emulsion compositions containing internally plasticizing and crosslinkable long-chain alkenol ester monomers are disclosed and claimed. Preferred embodiments include latex formed from acrylate or methacrylate esters of long-chain alkenols. A process for the synthesis of the latex composition is also disclosed, which involves (a) esterification of a long-chain alkenol with an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid; (b) polymerization of the ethylenically unsaturated ester in an aqueous phase with at least one other copolymerizable monomer; and (b) blending of so formed polymer with at least one drier and a surfactant to form the novel latex or emulsion compositions. These compositions form films at low minimum film forming temperatures (MFT) ranging from ?5 to 10° C. and cure to above ambient glass transition (Tg) polymers without the use of traditional organic cosolvents which contribute to environmental pollution via volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions.

Abstract: An aqueous acrylic emulsion polymer including, as copolymerized units, 70 to 99.5% by weight, based on dry polymer weight, monoethylenically unsaturated nonionic (meth)acrylic monomer and from 0.3 to 10% by weight, based on dry polymer weight, monoethylenically unsaturated acid monomer, wherein at least 40% by weight, based on dry polymer weight, of the emulsion polymer is formed by redox polymerization in the presence of 0.001 to 0.05 moles chain transfer agent per kg dry polymer weight is provided. An aqueous coating composition including the acrylic emulsion polymer, a method for improving the scrub resistance of a dry coating, a method for improving the adhesion of a dry coating, and a method for improving the adhesion of a dry coating to an alkyd substrate are provided.

Abstract: A process for preparing hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesives from aqueous dispersions based on polyacrylate, and pressure-sensitively adhesive articles produced therefrom, which comprises producing highly concentrated aqueous dispersions with polymer contents between 68% by weight and 87% by weight of gel-free, molecularly-dispersely meltable polymer particles with an at least bimodal size distribution in size ranges between 0.5 ?m and 1000 ?m Ø.

Abstract: A waterborne film-forming composition is provided that includes a stable aqueous dispersion of a mixture of a polyester polyol and a carboxylic acid-containing acrylic polymer polyol having a weight ratio of polyester polyol to acrylic polymer polyol in the range of 10:90 to 30:70; and a polyisocyanate crosslinking agent where the equivalent ratio of hydroxyl groups to isocyanate groups is from 0.8:1 to 1.7:1. The polyol component is prepared by polymerizing a mixture of ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomers that includes at least one carboxylic acid group-containing monomer; at least one primary alcohol group-containing monomer; and at least one glycidyl ester of an aliphatic saturated monocarboxylic acid in the presence of at least one polyester polyol. Multi-layer composite coatings and coated substrates are also provided.

Abstract: A film-forming composition that includes a stable aqueous dispersion of a mixture of a polyester polyol and a carboxylic acid-containing acrylic polymer polyol and a crosslinking agent having functional groups reactive with hydroxyl groups. The weight ratio of polyester polyol to acrylic polymer polyol is in the range of 10:90 to 30:70. The crosslinking agent is one or more blocked isocyanates or aminoplasts. The equivalent ratio of hydroxyl groups to reactive functional groups on the crosslinking agent is from 0.8:1 to 1.7:1. The film forming composition can be used in multi-layer composite coating compositions that include a base coat layer and a substantially pigment-free topcoat deposited over at least a portion of the base coat layer, the topcoat composition including the present film-forming composition.

Abstract: The free radical initiated addition polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated, particularly acrylic monomers in which the dispersed phase is stabilised by a surfactant including at least one anionic surfactant compound of the formula (I): R1—(OA)n—X where R1 is C16 to C22 hydrocarbyl including at least two double bonds; OA is oxyalkylene group; n is from 2 to 60; and X includes at least one acidic H atom, and is particularly a phosphate ester group, or a salt thereof, is described. The use of the surfactants of the formula (I) enable efficient emulsification and thus polymerization at temperatures above those at which non-ionic unsaturated surfactants are effective. The polymer latex products give polymer films having good water resistance properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and processes for preparing polymeric materials having polymerizable units derived from at least one C8 to C30 alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer, and at least one chain branching unit. The presence of the chain branching unit suprisingly results in the polymeric composition having non-gelled polymer chains. The polymeric compositions are useful as additives for improving the melt strength of thermoplastic resins.

Abstract: Emulsion polymerizations 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-polymerizable emmulsifier. Coatings formed from the latexes containing zwitterionic comonomer have good biocompatibilizing properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making polymer-dye particles comprising, in order: I) forming a colorant mixture comprising a water insoluble dye and an organic medium containing at least one ethylenically-unsaturated monomer; II) combining the colorant mixture with an aqueous mixture comprising a surfactant and a co-stabilizer to form a colorant mixture/aqueous mixture; III) causing the colorant mixture/aqueous mixture to form a stable aqueous droplet mixture via strong agitation; and IV) initiating polymerization to form composite polymer-dye particles comprising a colorant phase and a polymer phase; wherein an addition polymerization initiator is added prior to initiating polymerization. It further relates to composite polymer dye particles prepared by the above process and to composite polymer dye particles comprising a colorant phase containing a water insoluble dye, and a polymer phase, said particles being associated with a co-stabilizer.

Abstract: In forming pressure sensitive adhesive microspheres by copolymerizing a non-ionic monomer of an alkyl acrylate or alkyl methacrylate ester of a non-tertiary alcohol and an ionic monomer copolymerizable with said non-ionic monomer, non-free radically polymerizable acid is present during the polymerization to promote formation of solid rather than hollow microspheres and to reduce residual unconverted ionic monomer. These microspheres exhibit reduced adhesive transfer in downstream use as a repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive. A water soluble initiator is optionally added to the polymerization mixture after achieving about 90% conversion of the non-ionic monomer to further reduce residual unconverted ionic monomer.

Abstract: The invention relates to water-in-oil polymer dispersions consisting of a continuous organic phase and water-soluble polymers finely distributed therein, wherein said polymers have a radical monomer content of less than 1,000 ppm. The invention also relates to a method for producing the inventive polymer dispersions and to their use of flocculation auxiliary agents, thickening agents and as additives for phytosanitary and anti-erosion agents.

Abstract: Monodisperse particles having a particle diameter in the range of about from 1 to 1,000 ?m; a process for easily producing the particles; a column for liquid chromatography which is packed with the particles; and a method of liquid chromatography which comprises using the column. The monodisperse particles are obtained by adding an aqueous emulsion containing a polymerizable monomer to monodisperse polymer seed particles comprising a poly((meth)acrylic ester) containing at least one kind of groups selected from the group consisting of straight-chain alkyl groups having 6 or more carbon atoms, alicyclic alkyl groups having 6 or more carbon atoms, phenyl groups, benzyl groups and halogenated alkyl groups having 3 or more carbon atoms to thereby swell the seed particles and then polymerizing the polymerizable monomer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for concentrating polymer latexes, which can be separated into a latex phase and a serum phase in a separator with the aid of an auxiliary coalescing device.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of water-soluble polymers of esters of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids and polyalkylene glycols by azeotropic esterification, in the presence of organic solvents which form an azeotrope with water, of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids with polyalkylene oxides which are capped at one end by end groups, to a degree of at least 85 wt %, followed by free-radical polymerization of the resulting esters optionally together with other ethylenically unsaturated monomers, in aqueous medium, wherein the organic solvents are removed by azeotropic distillation from the reaction mixture during polymerization and the water that is removed by distillation is recycled or the quantity of water removed by distillation from the reaction mixture is replaced by a feed of fresh water.

Abstract: Water-soluble polymers of esters made from acrylic acid and alkylpolyalkylene glycols, obtainable by azeotropic esterification of a mixture of acrylic acid and alkylpolyalkylene glycol in a molar ratio of from 2 to 3:1 in the presence of at least 85% by weight, based on the alkylpolyalkylene glycol, of an organic solvent which forms an azeotrope with water, followed by free-radical polymerization, in an aqueous medium, of the mixture obtained during the esterification, where the organic solvent is distilled off azeotropically from the reaction mixture during the polymerization, and the water removed by distillation is returned to the mixture or replaced by a feed of fresh water, and preparation and use of these polymers as an additive to cementitious systems.

Abstract: A method of dispersing an insoluble material in an aqueous solution comprising the following steps: (i) providing a formulation comprising at least one insoluble material and at least one dispersant comprising a water soluble agriculturally acceptable derivative of an alternating copolymer or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof wherein said alternating copolymer comprises at least one residue of a first comonomer and at least one residue of a second comonomer, wherein said first comonomer comprises ??-unsaturated oxyacids or anhydrides and said second comonomer comprises olefinic compounds containing one or more polymerizable double bonds; and (ii) dispersing said formulation in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing aqueous copolymer solutions by polymerizing ethylenically unsaturated compounds in the presence of foam inhibitors.

Abstract: A solid, water-soluble or water-dispersible composition comprising a non film-forming material (such as a water-soluble agrochemical) supported by a film-forming polymer is prepared by (i) preparing a film-forming aqueous medium containing (a) a film-forming polymer which is a partially or fully charged homopolymer or a partially charged block copolymer or a homopolymer or block copolymer capable of ring-opening to form a partially charged homopolymer or block copolymer and (b) a water soluble material which is non film-forming (such as a glyphosate salt) and thereafter (ii) drying the film-forming aqueous medium to form the solid composition. The preferred film-forming polymer is alkyl vinylether maleic anhydride block co-polymer or a hydrolysed form thereof.

Abstract: A substantially reactive and gel-free composition which comprises: a. particles capable of reaction with a radiation curable resin; b. a coupling agent for modification of the surface of said particles; c. a radiation curable resin; d. a radiation curable salt capable of inhibiting gel formation in said composition.

Abstract: A medium for use in electrophoresis comprising N-methylurea and a polyacrylamide gel. In particular, the medium is used in a system and method of electrophoretic separation comprising the introduction of a sample to the medium, and applying an electric field across the medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inverter mixture, containing at least one ethoxylated fatty alcohol and at least one ethoxylated fatty acid mono- and/or dialkanolamide, or at least one ethoxylated fatty alcohol and at least one alkylpolyglycoside. Said invention also relates to the use of said inverter mixtures as additives in water-in-oil polymer dispersions as well as to the water-in-oil polymer dispersions themselves, which contain said inverter mixtures and to the use of said water-in-oil polymer dispersions as flocculants, thickeners, carriers for agricultural chemicals or as anti-erosion agents.

Abstract: Polyurethane or polyurethane polymer hybrid dispersions, with reduced hydrophilicity and methods for preparing and using them are disclosed.

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: Powder clearcoat dispersions (powder slurry clearcoats) preparable by dispersing a powder clearcoat in an aqueous medium and wet milling the resulting powder slurry, at least one adduct of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with at least one glycol being added to the powder slurry prior to wet milling; and the use of the powder slurry clearcoats for producing clearcoat finishes, especially as part of multicoat color and/or effect finishes.

Abstract: A medium for use in electrophoresis comprising N-methylurea and a polyacrylamide gel. In particular, the medium is used in a system and method of electrophoretic separation comprising the introduction of a sample to the medium, and applying an electric field across the medium.

Abstract: A removable, plasticizer resistant pressure sensitive composition that is particularly useful for PSA applications on plasticizer containing vinyl films is provided. The pressure sensitive adhesive comprises: (a) at least one hydrophobic monomer; (b) about 0.2 to about 10 wt. % of at least one hydrophilic monomer; (c) about 1 to about 40 wt.

Abstract: A process for continuous production of crosslinked fine particles of polymer gel by copolymerizing

Abstract: Subjects of the present invention are to provide resin particles having high ability and suitable for various purposes and to provide preparation method thereof. This invention provides resin particles each of which is formed by two curved surfaces or by one curved surface and one plane surface, has a boundary line between these two surfaces and satisfies the relationships: 0.1 &mgr;m≦D≦500 &mgr;m  (I) 0.05≦d/D≦0.8  (II) wherein D is particle diameter in horizontal direction and d is the maximum height in longitudinal direction in a side view in which the boundary line is placed in horizontal direction.

Abstract: A subject matter of the invention is a batchwise process for the manufacture of an optical fiber made of polymers, the core of the fiber being based on methyl methacrylate. This process is carried out in an in-line plant leaktight with respect to the outside ranging from a device for the purification of the starting materials to a spinning device, involving the intermediacy of an intermediate storage region. The core of the fiber is prepared from beads of a polymer based on purified methyl methacrylate obtained by aqueous suspension polymerization. Another subject matter of the invention is an in-line plant for the implementation of this process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrodeposition coating composition which has an excellent film forming property and which is excellent in performances such as a smoothness and an anti-corrosion performances even after storing over a long period of time. The electrodeposition coating composition comprises an ester compound selected from the group consisting of: (a) a diester compound of polyoxyalkylene glycol and aliphatic monocarboxylic acid, (b) a diester compound of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether monoalcohol and aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and (c) a polyester compound obtained by reaction of aliphatic glycol having 2 or 3 carbon atoms, aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and aliphatic monoalcohol.

Abstract: An aqueous polymerization method for preparing graft copolymers is disclosed. Copolymer compositions produced therefrom are also disclosed. 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: Emulsion polymerizations 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: The present invention relates to a novel photoinitiator system comprising one or more acylphosphine oxide photoinitiators and one or more lightfast red, blue or violet organic pigments. Low yellow color formation results upon curing ethylenically unsaturated compounds with the new photoinitiator system. Particular applications include clear and white coatings, screen inks, gel coats, powder coatings, composites, adhesives and lenses.

Abstract: The process comprises: (1) the preparation of a mixture comprising at least one organic monomer Z with a C═C group, polymerizable by a radical process, at least one organic photochromic compound, at least one surfactant, water and optionally a polymerization primer; (2) the treatment of the mixture obtained in step (1) in order to form a miniemulsion consisting of an organic phase dispersed in the form of droplets having a diameter of 50 to 500 nm, and preferably 50 to 300 nm, in an aqueous phase; (3) the addition to the miniemulsion of a polymerization primer, if this latter was not introduced in step (1), or of a quantity of primer additional to that added in step (1); (4) the polymerization of the reaction mixture obtained in step (3), and (5) the recovery of the photochromic latex.

Abstract: A cross-linked acrylic polymer that is highly biocompatible is prepared from a water-soluble acrylic monomer by preparing an aqueous polymerization solution containing an acrylamide monomer and a catalyzing agent; polymerizing the monomer present in the polymerization solution by agitating and heating the polymerization solution. The polymerization is conducted in the presence of gaseous oxygen.

Abstract: A hydrophobe-containing alkali soluble or swellable copolymer thickener comprising an emulsion polymerization product of (A) an ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable surfactant monomer having a cloud point of from about 65° C. to about 95° C., wherein the surfactant monomer has the formula M(EO)x(BO)zOR1 wherein M is a residue selected from the group consisting of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, and an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid, EO is an ethylene oxide unit; BO is a butylene oxide unit; x is from 10 to 45; z is from 5 to 35; provided that x+z is from 20 to 45; and R1 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylene, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylene, and arylalkyl group wherein the alkyl group has 1 to 4 carbon atoms; (B) an &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid monomer; and (C) a nonionic &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated monomer.

Abstract: A binder composition for aqueous coatings that exhibit high gloss and superior corrosion resistance when applied to metal substrates comprising an aqueous emulsion copolymer, the copolymer including as polymerized units, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and an ethylenically unsaturated strong acid monomer, such as phosphorus containing monomers, particularly phosphoethylmethacrylate; or salts thereof. Also provided is a method for achieving high gloss and superior corrosion resistance of metal substrates by coating a substrate with an aqueous coating composition comprising the binders of the present invention and drying, or allowing to dry, the aqueous composition.

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 present invention provides such a production process that a low-cost water-absorbent resin having excellent quality can be obtained by reasonable steps in aqueous solution polymerization. The production process for a water-absorbent resin comprises a polymerization setp that includes the steps of: supplying an aqueous solution of a water-soluble unsaturated monomer component including a major proportion of acrylic acid and/or its salt into a polymerization vessel causing shearing action; and then carrying out polymerization, involving crosslinking, of the water-soluble unsaturated monomer and at the same time carrying out fine division of the resultant hydrogel; with the production process being characterized in that the aqueous solution of the water-soluble unsaturated monomer component as supplied into the polymerization vessel has a temperature of not lower than 40° C.

Abstract: There is provided a rubber latex for an excellent impact modifier used for a thermoplastic resin. A rubber latex containing water in particles obtained by seed polymerization with seed polymers which are highly hydrophilic and sufficiently swellable into a rubber monomer is used as an impact modifier for a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: This invention pertains to radiation-curable aqueous compositions comprising a mixture of water-reducible oligomer, monomer, and water-insoluble cationically-modified latex. More particularly, the invention pertains to radiation-curable aqueous compositions that are suitable for use as ink jet printing receptive coatings and in the production of ink jet printable products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pressure sensitive adhesives based on aqueous latex emulsions processes for their preparation and laminates prepared there from. The pressure sensitive adhesives exhibit excellent adhesion in hot water environments and resistance to water-whitening.

Abstract: Polyvinylacetal-grafted polymers in the form of their aqueous dispersions or water-redispersible powders, and based on emulsion or suspension polymerized base polymers of one or more monomers from the group consisting of vinyl esters, (meth)acrylates, vinylaromatics, olefins, 1,3-dienes and vinyl halides, and optionally, further monomers copolymerizable therewith, the base polymers grafted with polyvinylacetals having from 0 to 5.0 mol % of vinyl acetate units, from 75 to 95 mol % of vinyl alcohol units and from 0.1 to 20 mol % of acetal units which are derived from aldehydes having 3 to 7 C atoms, are useful as additives in construction compositions, as binders, and as adhesives, and may be dried to form readily water-redispersible polymer powders.

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: A post-treatment process for making a water-resistant polymeric coating composition or a strongly-swellable polymeric gel includes providing a stable, aqueous two-phase polymeric composition by the steps of forming a reaction mixture in a reaction vessel which includes a water-soluble vinyl monomer, optionally with one or more water-soluble comonomers, first amount of a crosslinking agent, and water, heating the mixture, then periodically adding a predetermined amount of an initiator, and polymerizing at about 30-130° C., optionally removing the resultant two-phase composition from the reaction vessel, adding a predetermined amount of an additional crosslinker or proteinaceous compound thereto, optionally coating the mixture onto a support, and optionally heating to further polymerize the mixture.

Abstract: An aqueous composition suitable for use when dry as a pressure sensitive adhesive including an aqueous emulsion polymer formed by the free radical polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer at a reaction temperature lower than 100° C. in the presence of 20-1500 ppm, based on the total weight of the monomer, of an N-oxyl radical, the polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) from −80° C. to 0° C. is provided. Also provided is a method for preparing the emulsion polymer and a method for coating a substrate with an aqueous composition to provide a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on a substrate.

Abstract: A process for continuous production of crosslinked fine particles of polymer gel by copolymerizing a) water-soluble monoethylenically unsaturated monomers, b) from 0.001 to 5 mol % based on the monomers (a) of monomers containing at least two ethylenically unsaturated double bonds, and c) from 0 to 20 mol % based on the monomers (a) of water-insoluble monoethylenically unsaturated monomers in from 20 to 80% by weight aqueous solution in the presence of an initiator at from 0 to 140° C.

Abstract: A method for making a bicontinuous, conductive, pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), such that the starting microemulsion has a convenient viscosity for coating, and such that only a single polmerization step is needed. This has been accomplished by the discovery of a class of thickening agents having a carboxylic acid functionality that are compatible with the microemulsion and yet do not damage the properties of the final adhesive.