Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a blend of cellulose acetate and a water soluble polymer. In some embodiments, the composition is water dispersive and/or biodegradable. Embodiments of the invention also relate to processes for preparing such compositions, and to materials and products including such compositions.

Abstract: A thermal laminating film is provided that has superior intrusion resistance that is well suited to addressing security and anti-counterfeiting needs. The film includes a polymer substrate and an adhesive system with a polymer component having a Vicat softening point temperature that is close to a glass transition temperature of the polymeric substrate, which typically is not greater than about 95° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet excellent in anti-foaming release property in which whitening due to humidification hardly occurs. The invention relates to an optical pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet including a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed from a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition including: an acrylic polymer (A) which has a weight average molecular weight of 100,000 to 3,000,000 and is formed from a component including, as essential monomer components, a monomer having a nitrogen atom in a molecule thereof and a monomer having a hydroxyl group in a molecule thereof; and an acrylic polymer (B) having a weight average molecular weight of 1,000 to 30,000.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to form an aqueous dispersion comprising a blend composition comprising or consisting essentially of about 75 to about 99.9 weight % of an ionomer composition and about 0.1 to about 25 weight % of an ethylene acrylate ester copolymer composition, a grafted polyolefin composition or a combination thereof, the method comprising mixing the solid blend composition with water heated to a temperature from about 80 to about 100° C.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a resinous material for covering electric wire having all required properties meeting or exceeding a certain standard, produced using a cyclic olefin-derived resin, and electric wires manufactured using the resinous material for covering electric wire, and flame-retardant cables. The resinous material including (A) an olefin-derived resin, (B) an elastomer resin, (C) a cyclic olefin-derived resin having a glass transition point of from 120° C. to 170° C., and (D) a flame retardant, the resinous material having: a content of the component (D) of from 60 parts by mass to 150 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the total contents of the components (A), (B) and (C); a tensile elongation of no less than 250%; and a heat deformation of no greater than 40%.

Abstract: A binder composition for a secondary battery, and an anode and a lithium battery that include the binder composition are disclosed. The binder composition may include: first nanoparticles having a glass transition temperature of about 60° C. or greater and an average particle diameter of about 100 nm or less; and a first polymer binder having a glass transition temperature of about 20° C. or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-reflective coating composition that can be used to form at least two layers by a single coating process and is allowed to provide an anti-reflective coating film having more improved interface adhesion between the formed layers and scratch resistance, and an anti-reflective coating film manufactured using the same.

Abstract: Oxazolinyl-containing compounds having a single oxazolinyl group plus a first polymeric group are described. Grafted compounds are also described that are the product of a reaction of an oxazolinyl-containing compound with a second compound that has one or more acidic groups to form a grafted compound. In some embodiments, the second compound is a polymeric material having at least one acidic group and the reaction product is a grafted copolymer. Blended compositions of the grafted copolymer with a polyamide are also described.

Abstract: A binder for a battery including polymethyl methacrylate particles and a binder polymer is disclosed. Additionally, a binder composition, and an anode and a lithium battery which include the binder are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process of preparing a water-based emulsion includes adding a first monomer feed to a reaction vessel in the presence of a first initiator and water to form an acid-functional polymer; neutralizing the acid-functional polymer to form a particulate polymer; and adding a second monomer feed to the reaction vessel in the presence of a second initiator to form an agglomerated polymer; where the process is a one-pot process. The first monomer feed includes a unbranched (meth)acrylate monomer, a (meth)acrylic acid monomer, a branched (meth)acrylate, and a styrenic monomer; the second monomer feed includes a hydrophobic monomer; the water-based emulsion includes the agglomerated polymer; the agglomerated polymer includes the particulate polymer; and the agglomerated polymer having an aggregated drupelet morphology. The agglomerated polymers may be used in high opacity emulsions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleating agents comprising: a) ethylene-acrylic acid ionomers selected from the group consisting of ethylene-acrylic acid calcium ionomers and ethylene-acrylic acid zinc ionomers and combinations thereof; wherein the ionomers have a molecular weight between about 1000 and about 10000; b) talcum; and c) ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers. The present invention also provides plastic compositions comprising: a) nylon and b) a nucleating agent, as well as a processes of making such plastic compositions. The present invention also provides nucleating agents comprising only one or two of the above types of compounds, as well as plastic compositions comprising such nucleating agents and processes of making such a plastic compositions.

Abstract: Provided is a sheet for a solar cell encapsulant containing (A) an ethylene-based polymer having a melting point of 90° C. or higher and containing an ethylene-derived constituent unit as a main component; (B) an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate-derived constituent unit at a content ratio of from 19% to 40% by mass; and (C) a silane coupling agent having an amino group. The sheet for solar cell encapsulant has the excellent transparency and flexibility possessed by an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. Furthermore, a crosslinking treatment is substantially unnecessary, and adhesiveness and adhesion stability that are appropriate for practical use are obtained.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a non-aqueous composition. The composition comprises a blend of an acidic copolymer derived from a first group of monomers comprising at least one acidic monomer, and a basic copolymer derived from a second group of monomers comprising at least one basic monomer. The basic copolymer may comprise an amide functionality. In some embodiments, the composition comprises an acidic (meth)acrylic copolymer having a Tg less than 0° C., which is derived from a first group of monomers comprising at least one acidic monomer, and a basic (meth)acrylic copolymer having a Tg less than 0° C., which is derived from a second group of monomers comprising at least one basic monomer. Additionally, the composition may comprise a minimum of 0.10 moles of acid/base pairs per kilogram of composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyolefin-based adhesive. The adhesive comprises a maleated polyolefin. The maleated polyolefin is let-down in a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). The let-down LLDPE is selected from those which have a melt index MI2 within the range of 0.1 dg/min to 5 dg/min, preferably from 1 dg/min to 3 dg/min, and comprises a TREF soluble fraction having an intrinsic viscosity less than 0.9 dl/g. The adhesive composition can be used in multilayer polyolefin films and multilayer pipes.

Abstract: Fiber blends useful for garments with a balance of high thermal and comfort properties are disclosed. The fiber blends comprise a FR fiber component, a comfort fiber component, a structural fiber component, and an optional antistatic fiber. Yarns, fabrics, and garments comprising the fiber blends are also disclosed. Such garments are particularly useful for occupations requiring high thermal properties, such as oil and gas workers, fire fighters, utility workers, and military personnel, without compromising comfort of the wearers by maintaining breathability and moisture management properties of the fabric.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball composition containing an ionomer resin composition of: (A) one or more ionomer selected from the group consisting of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid random copolymer and/or an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester random copolymer, and a metal ion neutralization product of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid random copolymer and/or a metal ion neutralization product of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester random copolymer; (B) a polyethylene; and (C) an organic peroxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastics molding composition encompassing at least one poly(meth)acrylate A) and at least one impact-modified poly(meth)acrylate B), wherein the die swell of the plastics molding composition is at least 15%, measured at 5 MPa and 2200C to DIN 54811 (1984), and the melt flow rate of the poly(meth)acrylate A) is at least 10 ml per 10 minutes, measured to ISO 1133 at 2300C with a load of 3.8 kg. The present invention also describes moldings which encompass the plastics molding composition described above, and processes for the production of the said moldings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomer composition for a vehicle airbag cover, including a polypropylene-based resin, a denatured polypropylene resin, an ionomer resin, an olefin-based copolymer elastomer and a styrene-based copolymer elastomer, an airbag cover material using the composition, and an airbag module using the airbag cover material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticles for encapsulating compounds, the preparation and uses thereof, said nanoparticles being based on half (C1-C4) alkyl esters of poly (methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride) (PVM/MA) copolymers. Said nanoparticles can encapsulate or incorporate a product of interest for use in the agricultural, cosmetic, food or pharmaceutical fields.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide improved roofing membranes and methods and systems involving the same. According to one embodiment, a roofing membrane laminate is provided. The roofing membrane laminate includes a first membrane layer that includes a thermoplastic polyolefin material and a second membrane layer positioned atop the first membrane layer and bonded thereto. The second membrane layer includes a thermoplastic polyolefin material and an acrylate additive blended with the thermoplastic polyolefin material. The acrylate additive is blended with the thermoplastic polyolefin material while both materials are resins and is added so as to comprise 10% by weight or less of the blended resins. The acrylate additive includes an ethylene backbone chain and an acrylate bonded with the ethylene backbone chain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin composition including (1) at least one selected from the group consisting of ethylene-?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymers and ionomers thereof, which have a melt flow rate of from 0.5 g/10 min to 6 g/10 min, (2) at least one selected from the group consisting of ethylene-?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymers and ionomers thereof, which have a melt flow rate of from 10 g/10 min to 30 g/10 min, and (3) at least one selected from the group consisting of propylene homopolymers and copolymers obtained by copolymerization using propylene and one or more ?-olefins excluding propylene, in which a structural unit derived from an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester is substantially not contained in the total amount of the ethylene-?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymers and the ionomers thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vulcanizable rubber composition comprising at least one diene based elastomer and an in-situ resin, the in-situ resin comprising a methylene acceptor and a methylene donor, wherein one of the methylene acceptor and methylene donor is microencapsulated.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions and methods of making and using such compositions are provided. The compositions incorporate a first polymeric component that is at least one high density polyethylene and a second polymeric component that is at least one polymer including propylene-derived units having a heat of fusion of less than 75 J/g wherein the propylene-derived units have an isotactic triad fraction of about 65% to about 99%. The polymeric compositions are found to have desirable environmental stress crack resistance properties and impact resistance properties. The polymeric compositions are useful in a variety of applications such as molded containers and extruded pipes.

Abstract: A resin composition includes a biodegradable resin (A), a polyolefin resin (B) and a dispersing agent (C), which has a sea-isle structure in which the biodegradable resin (A) is dispersed as isles in the polyolefin resin (B) existing as a sea component wherein the average dispersed particle size of the biodegradable resin (A) is 1 nm to 1000 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resin composition for moisture absorbing film comprising polyethylene resin and polyacrylic acid partial sodium salt (PAPSS) or attapulgite synthesized acrylic amide (ATPGAA) as a moisture absorbent, moisture absorbing film for packaging, and a method for manufacturing film, and the present invention also relates to a resin composition for seasoned laver packaging film to be used for maintaining the high quality of the merchandize with good taste and tissue dryness.

Abstract: Energy-activated room temperature-pumpable polymer compositions, devices for activating and processing the same into solid cellular or non-cellular polymeric materials that can be used as adhesives, sealants, coatings or gasket materials, and methods of making and using the same. The compositions according to the invention include solid particles that include one or more polymers, which are emulsified, dispersed or suspended in a liquid carrier together with at least one processing aid, such as a reactive blowing agent, a low molecular weight surfactant, a high molecular weight surfactant, one or more compounds found in latex paint, starch, cellulosic derived products and combinations of two or more thereof. The processing aids provide various benefits including, for example, reduced density, improved process hygiene, improved foam stability, faster bonding times and/or lower processing temperatures.

Abstract: Compositions comprising ionomers and imidized acrylic resins are disclosed. Articles prepared from the compositions exhibit improved heat resistance properties such as increased Vicat temperature, increased stiffness/modulus at room temperature and elevated temperatures below the ionomer's melting point, and increased upper use temperature at a given stiffness over those of ionomers alone.

Abstract: A composition of matter particularly well suited for use as a peelable seal layer is described. The composition comprises from about 50 to about 85 percent by weight of a first polymer and from 15 to 50 percent of a second polymer. The first polymer is a propylene based polymer characterized by having a melting point of at least 125° C. together with a Comonomer Composition Distribution Breadth (“CCDB”) less than 2. The second polymer is characterized by having an interfacial adhesion with the first polymer of less than 1 lb/inch.

Abstract: A laser-engravable patternable element can be used to provide a relief image for various types of printing including flexographic printing. This laser-engraveable patternable element has a one laser-engravable layer that comprises a thermoplastic elastomeric interpolymer alloy that comprises a non-crosslinked halogenated polymer, a partially crosslinked polyolefin, and a polyester. A relief image can be obtained by directly laser-engraving the noted element under suitable conditions.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball resin composition with an excellent resilience and fluidity. Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball resin composition with a high hardness and durability. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball traveling a great distance with an ionomer cover. The present invention provides a golf ball resin composition comprising, (A) an ionomer resin consisting of a metal ion-neutralized product of a binary copolymer composed of an olefin and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms; (B) a binary copolymer composed of an olefin and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, and (C) a zinc compound, wherein a content ratio ((A)/(B)) of (A) component to (B) component ranges from 50/50 to 80/20 in a mass ratio and a content of (C) component ranges from 0.

Abstract: The invention describes a composition comprising, in the form of aqueous dispersion, A) for every 100 parts by weight of a, or of a plurality of, (meth)acrylate polymer(s); B) from 1-400 parts by weight of a, or of a plurality of, (meth)acrylate polymer(s), which contain(s) a compound of the formula (I) copolymerized, where the (meth)acrylate polymer(s) B) differ from the (meth)acrylate polymers specified in A), where these are obtainable by emulsion polymerization of a mixture comprising a) from 0.1 to 99.9 percent by weight of at least one compound of the formula (I), preferably of a benzophenone (meth)acrylate, in which the definitions of the moieties are those given in the description; and b) from 99.9 to 0.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions are described comprising a) a non-functional isobutylene (co)polymer, b) an amine-functional poly(isobutylene) polymer, optionally an acid-functional (meth)acrylate copolymer, and optionally a tackifier.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a foaming vinyl chloride resin composition having excellent foaming properties and providing a foam molded product with an excellent appearance by enhancing the melt strength of the vinyl chloride resin composition. A processability improver for foam molding according to the present invention includes a (meth)acrylic polymer powder with a weight average molecular weight of 2,000,000 to 7,000,000, wherein the (meth)acrylic polymer powder includes 1 to 20% by weight of a (meth)acrylic polymer (A) with a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 to 300,000, and 80 to 99% by weight of a (meth)acrylic polymer (B) with a weight average molecular weight of 2,000,000 to 7,000,000.

Abstract: A waterborne coating composition contains a film forming binder dispersed in an aqueous carrier; wherein the binder is an admixture including (A) about 40-60% by weight of an acrylic silane polymer derived from a monomer blend including alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers and at least one silane containing alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer; and (B) about 60-40% by weight of a polyurethane/acrylic hybrid dispersion. The composition is useful for plastic and metal substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition, containing: 100 parts by mass of an acrylic polymer (A) which contains a vinylic monomer having a nitrogen atom in a skeleton thereof as a monomer unit and does not substantially contain a monomer containing a carboxyl group; 1-70 parts by mass of a (meth)acrylic polymer (B) having a weight average molecular weight of 1,000 or greater and less than 30,000; and 1-50 parts by mass of a hydrogenated tackifying resin (C), and an optical acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive tape including a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer containing the optical acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition.

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles with low caking tendency and high absorption under pressure, comprising polymerization of a monomer solution or suspension, drying of the resulting polymer gel, grinding, classifying, thermal surface postcrosslinking and coating with silicon dioxide, wherein the water-absorbing polymer particles have been coated, before, during or after the surface postcrosslinking with aluminum cations.

Abstract: Provided herein is a blend composition useful as a cross-linkable encapsulant layer and consisting essentially of two ethylene copolymers and optionally one or more additives. The first ethylene copolymer comprises copolymerized units of ethylene, optionally a first olefin having the formula CH2?C(R1)CO2R2, and a second olefin having the formula CH2?C(R3)COOH. At least a portion of the carboxylic acid groups have been neutralized to form carboxylate salts. The second ethylene copolymer consists essentially of copolymerized units of ethylene, optionally a first olefin having the formula CH2?C(R1)CO2R2, and a third olefin having the formula CH2?C(R4)D. R1, R3 and R4 represent hydrogen or an alkyl group; R2 represents an alkyl group; and D represents a moiety containing an epoxy group. Further provided are solar cell modules comprising the encapsulant layer.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a polymeric film comprising one or more polyolefins and one or more acrylic polymers, wherein the weight ratio of said acrylic polymers to said polyolefins is from 0.02:1 to 5:1, wherein each said polyolefin comprises polymerized units of one or more functional monomers, wherein the amount of said polyolefins in said polymeric film is more than 30% by weight, based on the weight of said polymeric film, and wherein said acrylic polymers comprise polymerized units of one or more hydrogen-bondable monomers.

Abstract: Provided herein is a blend composition useful as a cross-linkable encapsulant layer and consisting essentially of two ethylene copolymers and optionally one or more additives. The first ethylene copolymer comprises copolymerized units of ethylene, optionally a first olefin having the formula CH2?C(R1)CO2R2, and a second olefin having the formula CH2?C(R3)COOH. The second ethylene copolymer consists essentially of copolymerized units of ethylene, optionally a first olefin having the formula CH2?C(R1)CO2R2, and a third olefin having the formula CH2?C(R4)D. R1, R3 and R4 represent hydrogen or an alkyl group; R2 represents an alkyl group; and D represents a moiety containing an epoxy group. Further provided are solar cell modules comprising the encapsulant layer. The encapsulant layer comprises the blend composition or the product of cross-linking the blend composition, in which some acid groups of the second olefin have reacted with some epoxy groups of the third olefin.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising star macromolecules is provided. Each star macromolecule has a core and five or more arms, wherein the number of arms within a star macromolecule varies across the composition of star molecules. The arms on a star are covalently attached to the core of the star; each arm comprises one or more (co)polymer segments; and at least one arm and/or at least one segment exhibits a different solubility from at least one other arm or one other segment, respectively, in a reference liquid of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cellulose ether composition for use in the preparation of dry mortar formulations, especially of cementitious bound tile adhesives (CBTA). The invention further relates to a dry mortar formulation comprising said cellulose ether composition. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a method of improving the slip resistance of a dry mortar formulation without deteriorating the mechanical strength and the open time of the cured dry mortar formulation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic elastomer composition that will provide little load on the environment and has superior mechanical characteristics, the composition being obtained by melt-kneading 10 to 90 parts of ethylene-?-olefin based copolymer rubber (A), 1 to 50 parts of non-petroleum source-derived thermoplastic resin (B), 1 to 50 parts of modified propylene-based copolymer (C), 1 to 50 parts of propylene-based polymer (D), 0.001 to 5 parts of crosslinking agent (E), and 0 to 50 parts of mineral oil-based softening agent (F), wherein the amounts of components (A), (B), (C), (D), and (F) are amounts in weight calculated where the combined amount of components (A), (B), (C), (D) and (F) is considered to be 100 parts by weight, and the amount of component (E) is an amount in weight calculated where the combined amount of components (A), (B), (C), (D), and (F) is considered to be 100 parts by weight.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a resin composition for the golf ball that suppresses the bleed out of the low molecular weight material component, as well as improves the fluidity and repulsion performance. The present invention provides a golf ball forming resin composition comprising as a resin component, (A) a high melt viscosity resin; (B) a low melt viscosity ionomer resin having a melt viscosity (190° C.) ranging from 1 Pa·s to 10 Pa·s measured by a brookfield viscometer, in a ratio of (A) the high melt viscosity resin/(B) the low melt viscosity ionomer resin being 55 mass % to 99 mass %/45 mass % to 1 mass %; and (C) a metal ion source capable of neutralizing carboxyl groups of (A) the high melt viscosity resin and (B) the low melt viscosity ionomer resin, in an amount of from 0.1 part to 10 parts with respect to 100 parts by mass of a sum of (A) the high melt viscosity resin and (B) the low melt viscosity ionomer resin.

Abstract: A safety laminate comprises an interlayer that comprises a crosslinkable blend of ethylene copolymers. The first ethylene copolymer comprises copolymerized units of ethylene, optionally a first olefin having the formula CH2?C(R1)CO2R2, and a second olefin having the formula CH2?C(R3)COOH. The first ethylene copolymer is optionally at least partially neutralized. The second ethylene copolymer consists essentially of copolymerized units of ethylene, optionally a first olefin having the formula CH2?C(R1)CO2R2, and a third olefin having the formula CH2?C(R4)D. R1, R3 and R4 represent hydrogen or an alkyl group; R2 represents an alkyl group; and D represents a moiety containing an epoxy group. The crosslinkable blend is useful as an interlayer in safety laminates. Methods for preparing the safety laminates are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are a resin composition and an optical film formed by using the same, and more particularly, a resin composition including 85 to 95 parts by weight of a matrix copolymer resin including an alkyl(meth)acrylate-based unit, an acryl-based unit containing a benzene ring, and a (meth)acrylic acid unit, and 5 to 15 parts by weight of a polymer resin having a molecular weight range of 150,000 to 1,000,000 and an optical film formed by using the composition. A resin composition according to the present invention may provide a protective film for a polarizing plate having excellent heat resistance and toughness as well as excellent optical properties, and thus, an optical film formed by using the resin composition of the present invention may be used in information electronic devices such as display devices for various applications.

Abstract: Provided is a molding composition comprising, based on the total weight of the composition, (A) 50.0% by weight to 99.5% by weight of at least one (co)polymer which is a homopolymer or copolymer of at least 80% by weight of methyl methacrylate, (B) 0.5% by weight to 50.0% by weight of at least one copolymer obtained by polymerization of a monomer, and (C) at least one low molecular weight (meth)acrylate (co)polymer having a solution viscosity in chloroform at 25° C. (ISO 1628—part 6) of less than or equal to 55 ml/g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a binding agent comprising a mixture of a carboxylic acid vinyl ethylene ester copolymer (A) and a polyolefin (B) containing a functional monomer (X), the mass ratio B/(A+B) being between 0.05 and 1. Said binder has very good adhesion properties for adhering to a number of supports in photovoltaic modules, in addition to satisfactory transparency and electrical resistivity properties for the advantageous use of the binder in said module.

Abstract: A hydrous gel substantially comprising at least two polymers selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acid, sodium polyacrylate and partially neutralized polyacrylate, and water, the polymers being crosslinked by containing an aluminum compound, wherein the pH when the hydrous gel is 100-fold diluted with purified water is from 6.5 to 8.5. A hydrous gel which can stably hold an ascorbic acid or a derivative thereof, has high gel strength, exhibits good adhesion to an adherend and causes no liquid syneresis can be provided.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed that includes a water insoluble polymer, a polycarboxy functional polymer, and a water insoluble epoxide functional compound, the water insoluble polymer including at least one of polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate copolymer, styrene copolymer, acrylate copolymer, and polyurethane.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising star macromolecules is provided. Each star macromolecule has a core and five or more arms, wherein the number of arms within a star macromolecule varies across the composition of star molecules. The arms on a star are covalently attached to the core of the star; each arm comprises one or more (co)polymer segments; and at least one arm and/or at least one segment exhibits a different solubility from at least one other arm or one other segment, respectively, in a reference liquid of interest.