Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing an oil-in-water emulsion whereof the organic phase has a viscosity not less than 1 Pa.s, which consists in using an aqueous phase comprising at least a heat-thickening polymer having a viscosity jump between 25 and 80° C. so that the value of the ratio log 10 (viscosity at 80° C.)/log 10 (viscosity at 25° C.) is at least equal to 1, preferably at least equal to 2, the variation in viscosity being reversible; the amount of heat-thickening polymer being such that the aqueous phase viscosity is 0.2 to 5 times that of the organic phase at the temperature for preparing the emulsion; the latter being not less than the thickening temperature of the heat-thickening polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to improved polymer compositions and processes for preparing same. Specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided a process for preparing a polymer, wherein the process comprises: providing a reaction mixture comprising a portion of at least one polar monomer and at least one multivalent cation; adding the remaining portion of the polar monomer to the reaction mixture; and polymerizing the monomer to form the polymer. In certain embodiments, the reaction mixture in the providing step comprises at least two molar equivalents or greater of the total amount of polar monomer with respect to one molar equivalent of multivalent cation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high temperature continuous polymerization and condensation process for preparing a polymeric product. The process includes continuously charging into a reaction zone: at least one radically-polymerizable monomer having a radically polymerizable group and at least one condensation reactive functionality; and at least one modifying agent having a functional group capable of reacting with the condensation reactive functionality. The reaction zone includes at least one primary reactor, but may, and preferably does, contain a secondary reactor. The process further includes maintaining an effective temperature in the primary reactor to cause polymerization of the monomer and to allow at least a portion of the condensation reactive functionality to react with the functional group of the modifying agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to aqueous emulsions comprising a water-dispersible copolymer which is non-dispersible in aqueous solutions containing 0.5% or more of an inorganic salt, comprising acidic ethylenically unsaturated monomers and ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The acidic ethylenically unsaturated monomers and the ethylenically unsaturated monomers are defined herein. The present invention also pertains to emulsion polymerization methods for making the aqueous emulsions with or without a surfactant.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel carboxylic acid-modified vinylic polymeric compositions and the process for preparing them. In particular, the invention relates to novel carboxylic acid-modified vinylic polymeric compositions which exhibit properties that make them useful as support resins for producing polymer latices which can be employed in the formulation of various water-based coatings and inks, particularly flexographic inks. More particularly, these carboxylic acid-modified vinylic polymeric compositions are produced by the addition polymerization reaction of vinylic monomers in the presence of dimer acids, trimer acids, dimerized rosins, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing polymer nano particle having two-photon absorption compound at its central portion. The method of manufacturing polymer nano particle comprises the steps of dispersing a monomer for forming polymer nano particle and two-photon absorption compound into a solvent; supplying a given gas while stirring the solvent in which the monomer and the two-photon absorption compound are dispersed at a given temperature, in order to remove the dissolved oxygen contained in the solvent; supplying polymerization initiators into the solvent while stirring the solvent in which the monomer and the two-photon absorption compound are dispersed at a given temperature; and polymerizing the monomer for a given period of time while stirring the solvent in which the monomer and the two-photon absorption compound are dispersed at a given temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resin solution composition for paints or adhesives which comprises an acid-modified butene-1/&agr;-olefin copolymer obtained by modifying a butene-1/&agr;-olefin copolymer with an unsaturated carboxylic acid or an acid anhydride thereof. The butene-1/&agr;-olefin copolymer comprises, as polymerizable components, 65 to 85 mol % butene-1 component and 15 to 35 mol % &agr;-olefin component having 2 to 8 carbon atoms other than butene-1 component. The acid-modified butene-1/&agr;-olefin copolymer comprises the unsaturated carboxylic acid or the anhydride thereof in a proportion of 0.5 to 5% by weight. In this resin solution composition, the acid-modified butene-1/&agr;-olefin copolymer is dissolved in an organic solvent, in a solid content of 10 to 30% by weight.

Abstract: A polyfluoroalkyl iodide is reacted with a (meth)acrylic acid metal salt to form a corresponding polyfluoroalkyl (meth)acrylate ester. The polyfluoroalkyl (meth)acrylate ester is separated from the reaction product through the evaporation, so that the ester is recovered. According to the present method, the polyfluoroalkyl iodide is reacted with the (meth)acrylic acid metal salt without introducing water, thus making it possible to prepare a polyfluoroalkyl (meth)acrylate ester. The resulting ester can also be used to copolymerize an ethylenically unsaturated compound capable of copolymerizing with the ester.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a copolymer latex capable of remarkably improving the bond strength of coated paper, excelling in coated paper properties such as print gloss, and excelling in coating operability such as redispersibility, mechanical stability, and anti-stick properties, a process for producing the copolymer latex, and a paper coating composition. In the copolymer latex of the present invention, the content of components detected before an elution time at which a component having a polystyrene-reduced molecular weight of 1,000,000 is detected in a molecular-weight distribution measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is 31% or more, the weight average molecular weight of components detected after the elution time at which the component having a polystyrene-reduced molecular weight of 1,000,000 is detected is 30,000-400,000, and the toluene insoluble content is 31 wt % or more.

Abstract: An aqueous emulsion based pressure sensitive adhesive is disclosed that includes water and a water dispersible polymer, and has (1) a viscosity of 100 to 1000 mpa·s, (2) a dynamic surface tension of a water diluted 75% solution thereof of 59 mN/m or more at a discharge frequency of 25 Hz and a temperature of 25° C., and (3) a nonvolatile content of 50 to 70 wt %. This pressure sensitive adhesive is an emulsion composition having low viscosity and ease of handling and causing no coating defects such as ‘cissing’ and ‘retraction’ when coated on a release paper.

Abstract: Branched polymers are prepared by mixing together monofunctional vinylic monomer with from 0.3 to 100% w/w of polyfunctional vinylic monomer and from 0.0001 to 50% w/w of chain transfer agent and thereafter reacting the mixture to form a polymer. The resulting branched polymers are soluble and may be used as component of surface coatings and inks as well as molding resins.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an emulsion composition for vibration damping materials which is capable of giving water-based vibration damping materials exhibiting very satisfactory thermal drying characteristics and vibration damping properties through improved dispersibility and stability and an emulsion composition for chipping-resistant materials which is capable of giving water-based chipping-resistant materials exhibiting satisfactory thermal drying characteristics and chipping-resistant properties.

Abstract: A process for reducing the residual monomer amount in aqueous polymer dispersions comprises aftertreating with a redox initiator system.

Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous plastic dispersions containing latex particles which present anionic groups and are characterized in that at least some of the anionic groups comprise aminated sugar alcohols in protonated form as counterions. The invention also relates to methods for producing same and to their use.

Abstract: A process for making composite colorant particles comprising, in order: I) suspending in an aqueous medium, under agitation, finely divided colorant particles to form an aqueous colorant mixture; II) adding to the aqueous colorant mixture an addition polymerization initiator; and III) causing the addition polymerization initiator to form a free radical while continuously introducing continuously to the aqueous colorant mixture a monomer mixture comprising: a) an addition polymerization initiator, and b) at least one ethylenically-unsaturated monomer; thereby forming the composite colorant particles having a colorant phase and a polymer phase.

Abstract: An aqueous polymer dispersion prepared by free-radical polymerization of vinyl acetate in the presence of at least one ionic emulsifier, at least one free-radical initiator and at least one protective colloid, wherein the polymerization is carried out in the presence of a polymerization regulator and wherein the ratio by weight of protective colloid to ionic emulsifier is at least 4:1 and wherein the ratio by weight of vinyl acetate monomer to protective colloid is between 19:1 and 4:1.

Abstract: The invention provides functionalized copolymers in the form of their aqueous dispersions or water-redispersible powders, based on a) one or more monomers from the group consisting of vinyl esters of unbranched or branched alkylcarboxylic acids having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, methacrylic esters and acrylic esters of alcohols having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, vinyl aromatics, olefins, dienes, and vinyl halides, b) from 0.05 to 5.0% by weight of one or more hydrolyzable silane monomers from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated, hydrolyzable silicon compounds and hydrolyzable silicon compounds from the group consisting of epoxysilanes, aminosilanes, and mercaptosilanes, c) from 0.05 to 5.0% by weight of one or more monomers from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated epoxide compounds, d) from 0 to 2.

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: An environmentally friendly stable aqueous optionally structured water-resistant architectural coating composition (especially a paint) containing a film-forming binder polymer composed of a starch modified by the presence of carboxylic acid or inorganic carboxylate groups and bonded (probably grafted) to chains of copolymerized mono-ethylenically unsaturated monomers (e.g. “acrylic”, “vinyl” or “styrenic” copolymers) permitting a stable aqueous dispersion of the binder polymer to be made which retains good water-resistance in the dried paint. The modified starch allows paints to be made with less dependence on materials obtained from non-renewable resources whilst retaining a low water-sensitivity.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing adhesives having improved adhesion, in the form of their aqueous dispersions or water-redispersible dispersion powders, by emulsion polymerization in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol with or without drying of the dispersion obtainable by this process, which comprises polymerizing a comonomer mixture comprising a) one or more monomers from the group consisting of the vinyl esters of unbranched and branched carboxylic acids of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, the esters of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid with branched and unbranched alcohols of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, vinylaromatic compounds, vinyl halides and alpha-olefins, and b) from 0.01 to 50% by weight, based on the overall weight of the comonomers, of a vinyl ester of alpha-branched tertiary monocarboxylic acids of 11 carbon atoms, in the presence of c) from 0.1 to 15% by weight, based on the overall weight of the comonomers, of polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: What is described is a polymeric hydrogel product of a stable, aqueous polymeric composition which composition forms a clear to translucent film upon application to a substrate, and includes, by weight, 5-75% of (a) a water-soluble polymer having (b) in situ-formed, substantially water-insoluble resinous particles of said polymer substantially uniformly dispersed therein, and (c) 25-95% of water, made by irradiating the composition with high energy electron beam or gamma-radiation.

Abstract: Powder clearcoat dispersions (powder slurry clearcoats) preparable by adding a secondary (meth)acrylate copolymer dispersion in liquid and/or powder form to a powder slurry during and/or after its preparation; and the use thereof for producing clearcoat finishes, especially as part of multicoat color and/or effect finishes.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a polymer obtainable from the steps:

Abstract: A process is for preparing polyvinyl alcohol-stabilized addition polymers based on (meth)acrylate monomers in the form of their aqueous dispersions and water-redispersible dispersion powders by means of free-radically initiated emulsion polymerization or suspension polymerization of one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of the esters of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid and, if desired, further monomers copolymerizable therewith in the presence of one or more protective colloids from the group of the polyvinyl alcohols and, if appropriate, with drying of the resultant aqueous dispersion, which includes a) conducting polymerization in the presence of from 0.001% to 0.02% by weight of initiator and, if desired, from. 0.001% to 0.

Abstract: The invention provides for the use of non-copolymerizable hydroperoxides of the formula R—O—O—H as regulators in the free-radically initiated polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers, where R is H, a C1-C18-alkyl radical, a C7-C22-aralkyl radical or a saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring having from 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and may be substituted or unsubstituted.

Abstract: A hydrophilic, highly swellable hydrogel based on (co)polymerized monomers or based on graft (co)polymers and prepared by a) free-radically (co)polymerizing one-or more hydrophilic monomers or graft (co)polymerizing one or more hydrophilic monomers onto a grafting base, the average degree of neutralization of the acid-functional monomers being from 0 to 40 mol %, b) comminuting the acidic hydrogel, c) neutralizing the acidic hydrogel to an ultimate degree of neutralization of 50-85 mol % by adding a neutralizing agent, d) drying, grinding and sieving the hydrogel particles characterized by a centrifuge retention and a vertical absorption swell height, each having a specified minimum.value, coupled with an extractables content having a specified maximum value or a centrifuge retention and a vertical absorption swell height, each having a specified minimum value and an extractables content having a specified maximum value.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions having enhanced thickening properties containing lipophilically-modified copolymer thickeners and one or more hydrophilic surfactants are disclosed. In particular, aqueous compositions containing (i) lipophilically-modified copolymers containing at least 5% of selected lipophilically-modified components and (ii) surfactants having an HLB value of greater than 15 are useful for the thickening of a range of personal, domestic and industrial products.

Abstract: Anaerobic adhesive compositions, the reaction products of which demonstrate improved cure speed and bond strength are disclosed. A high percentage of ultimate bond strength is reached within the first hour of room temperature cure. Higher ultimate bond strengths as compared to conventional compositions are achieved. The anaerobic adhesive compositions incorporate an adhesion promoter which contributes to these properties.

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

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion of a polymer, obtainable by polymerizing free-radically polymerizable compounds (monomers), which comprises dissolving or dispersing in the dispersed monomer droplets compounds P containing urethane and/or urea groups and containing at least one reactive end group, said compounds P containing no carbodiimide groups.

Abstract: An anti-contamination coating composition is obtained by mixing a tetraalkoxysilane condensate having an average condensation degree of 4 to 20 and has an alkyl group having 1 to 2 carbon atoms and an alkyl group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and an alkyl group having 4 to 12 carbon atoms, the alkyl group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms or 4 to 12 carbon atoms present in the amount of 5 to 50% by equivalent based on all alkyl groups in the condensate, with a polyurethane resin, an acrylic copolymer resin or a silicone-acrylic copolymer resin in the amount of 1.0 to 40.0 parts by weight in term of SiO2 relative to 100 parts by weight of the polyol compound. The addition of a hydrophilic alkoxysilane having a poly alkylene oxide chain compound is also suitable.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of partially hydrolyzed vinyl ester resin having an excellent stability and useful particularly as a secondary agent for suspension polymerization of vinyl compounds, wherein the partially hydrolyzed vinyl ester resin has a degree of hydrolysis of at most 70% by mole, it is contained in a concentration of at most 50% by weight, and it satisfies the equation: 1n y>0.042x+1.0, in which y is the cloud point (° C.) of a 30% by weight aqueous solution of the partially hydrolyzed vinyl ester resin, and x is the degree of hydrolysis (% by mole) of the partially hydrolyzed vinyl ester resin.

Abstract: Water-swellable hydrophilic polymers are prepared by neutralization of the acidic hydrogel having a degree of neutralization of 0-40 mol % to an ultimate degree of neutralization of 60-85 mol % by mixing with a neutralizing agent in a mincer comprising a system of screw, rotating blade, restricted flow zone and breaker plate, wherein the mincer has a power output of from 1000 to 6000 Wh/m3 the hydrogel passes through a zone having-an energy dissipation density of from 400 to 800 W/1 of mixing volume the average residence time of the hydrogel in the mincer is from 5 to 30 seconds the breaker plate has an open area of from 20 to 40%.

Abstract: The free radical initiated addition polymerisation 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 polymerisation 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: The invention relates to a method for producing water-soluble homopolymers and copolymers, comprising oligoalkylene-imine side chains of the general formula (I), wherein [AI]m, m, Y and x have the definitions given in claim 1, by radical homopolymerisation or copolymerisation of monomers A of the general formula (II), wherein [AI]m, m, n, Y and R have the definitions given in claim 1, in an aqueous reaction medium. The invention also relates to the homopolymers and copolymers obtained by this method and to their use as auxiliary agents in paper production.

Abstract: A coating composition for producing electrically conductive coatings, containing one or more electrically conductive pigments and an organic binder, as well as, optionally, additives and auxiliary agents, in an aqueous solvent, which organic binder contains a copolymer dispersible in water and based on (meth)acrylate- and silylated, unsaturated monomers. The total content of organic solvents in the composition does not exceed 0.5% by weight. The coatings thus obtained are especially well-bonded and resistant to mechanical influences and to solvents, and exhibit suitable conductivity (sheet resistivity) values.

Abstract: An acrylic emulsion is disclosed. The emulsion comprises from about 30% to about 90% by weight of water, about 10% to about 70% by weight of an acrylic polymer, about 0.2% to about 10% by weight of a emulsifying agent, and up to 20% by weight of an organic solvent. The acrylic polymer contains from about 20% to about 80% by weight of recurring units of t-butyl acrylate or methacrylate. Latex coatings formulated from the acrylic emulsion show significantly improved resistance to moisture and corrosion.

Abstract: Aqueous (meth)acrylate copolymer dispersions preparable by

Abstract: An aqueous composition suitable for use, when dry, as an improved coating is provided including an aqueous emulsion polymer, the polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) from greater than 20° C. to 80° C., formed by the free radical polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated nonionic acrylic monomer and 0-7.5%, by weight based on the total weight of the polymer, ethylenically unsaturated acid monomer in the presence of 0.01-1.0%, by weight based on the total weight of the polymer, t-alkyl hydroperoxide, t-alkyl peroxide, or t-alkyl perester wherein the t-alkyl group includes at least 5 Carbon atoms and, optionally, at least one other oxidant. A method of preparing the emulsion polymer is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a composite coating film which makes it possible to attain both appearance and workability in a high-humidity environment. The method of forming a composite coating film according to the present invention comprises applying a water-based base coat composition on a substrate, and then a clear coat thereon, wherein said water-based base coat composition comprises a pigment and a resin emulsion obtained by emulsion polymerization of an &agr;, &bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated monomer mixture, said &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated monomer mixture having an acid value of 3 to 50 mg KOH/g and containing at least 65% by weight of a (meth)acrylic ester whose ester moiety contains 1 or 2 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A mortar composition, curable by frontal polymerization after heat initiation, is described, wherein are contained a) at least one polymerizable monomer and/or at least one curable resin, b) at least one polymerization initiator, which can be activated and/or released thermally at a temperature above 30° C., for the polymerizable monomers and/or curing accelerator for the curable resin and c) optionally at least one filler, the nature and amount of polymerizable monomer or curable resin and polymerization initiator or curing accelerator being selected so that a polymerization front velocity of at least 10 cm/min results after the polymerization is initiated, as well as a method for fastening tie bars, reinforcing steel or the like in solid substrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides coating compositions including aqueous dispersions of polymeric microparticles prepared from nitrile, carbamate and amide functional materials, polyoxyalkylene acrylates and/or hydroxy functional materials, which are useful for sound deadening applications.

Abstract: The quality of a mastic coating system for bituminous substrates is improved through the use of a topcoat composition and/or tiecoat composition comprising a water-insoluble latex polymer. The latex polymer has a Tg of from −25° C. to 20° C. and is prepared from a monomer mixture comprising: (a) at least 20% by weight of at least one hydrophobic monomer selected from the group consisting of (C8 to C24) alkyl (meth)acrylates; (b) 0 or up to 45% by weight of at least one vinyl aromatic monomer; wherein the weight of (a) and (b) together constitute at least 25% by weight of said monomer mix (c) 0 or up to 75% by weight of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting (C1 to C4) alkyl (meth)acrylates; and (d) 0 or up to 5% by weight of at least one monomer selected from acrylic or methacrylic acid; wherein when (b) is not present in the monomer mix the amount of (d) is in the range from 0 or up to less than 3% by weight.

Abstract: The invention concerns a two-component coating agent with a) a water dilutable binder component of a polyester resin base and/or polyacrylate resin base, whereby the polyester and/or polyacrylate resin has a content of hydroxyl groups of 2.5 to 8% by weight OH and b) an aqueous organic polyisocyanate component of at least one polyisocyanate with free isocyanate groups which is prepared ready for use for a limited time by the stirring of the polyisocyanate component b) into the binder component a) and hardens by cross-linking of the binder component with the polyisocyanate to the binder components according to the invention are provided as aqueous emulsions of a water insoluble carboxylate-free and sulfanate-free polyester resin and/or polyacrylate resin, whereby the emulsion is produced with the aid of an emulsifier added to the polyester or polyacrylate resin. The subject of the invention is, further, a process for producing the water-dilutable binder component a).

Abstract: Build-up suppressing compositions, comprising: a) at least one condensation product between an aldehyde, a phenol compound and an aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid, or at least one condensation product between formaldehyde and an optionally substituted alpha-naphthol, and b) at least one polycarboxylic acid.

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: A subject-matter of the present invention is a process for the preparation of a latex by radical aqueous emulsion polymerization in the presence of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, of at least one radical polymerization initiator and of at least one surface-active block copolymer comprising at least one hydrophilic block and at least one hydrophobic block which is prepared by a “living” or “controlled” preparation process, the said copolymer exhibiting a number-average molecular mass of between 2 000 and 20 000, preferably between 4 000 and 16 000, a glass transition temperature of the hydrophobic block of less than 30° C., preferably of less than 25° C., and greater than −100° C., and a surface tension of less than 60 millinewtons per metre (mN/m), preferably of less than 50 mN/m, measured at a concentration in demineralized water of less than or equal to 10−4 mol/l at 20° C.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel salts composed of a cation derived from a peptide containing at least one basic group and an anion derived from a carboxy-terminated polyester, processes for the manufacture of such salts, and the use of such salts in the manufacture of extended release pharmaceutical compositions. The salts of the invention possess a variety of properties which are useful in the formulation of extended release pharmaceutical compositions, whether the salts are in pure form or are in admixture with either an excess of the peptide in its free, unbound form or an excess of the free polyester.

Abstract: An aqueous semi-continuous emulsion polymerization process for producing bimodal polymer particles in volumes large than a single batch size is provided. A bimodal polymer composition prepared by the process of carrying out an aqueous semi-continuous emulsion polymerization is also provided.