Abstract: The invention provides compositions of matter, methods of their synthesis, and methods of their use in polymerization reactions. The compositions include polyfunctional initiators used to make star polymers when polymerized with monomers. The polyfunctional initiators are synthesized out of a multifunctional core with at least two functional groups and two or more initiator units bonded to the functional groups. The initiator units have two electron-withdrawing groups bonded to a central carbon atom and an azo group between the central carbon atom and the functional group. The polyfunctional initiators are particularly effective because when they decompose to form the radical core of a star polymer, the electron-withdrawing groups prevent the corresponding radical from forming any linear polymer contamination and only desired star polymers result.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a polymer by free-radical polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid and/or a salt thereof, at least one ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid and/or an anhydride and/or a salt thereof, in the presence of hypophosphorous acid and/or a salt thereof. The invention also relates to a polymer composition obtainable by this process. The invention also relates to the use of such a polymer composition as detergent additive, e.g. as dispersant, scale inhibitor or sequestrant for laundry detergents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new cure accelerator systems for anaerobic curable compositions. These anaerobic cure systems include tetraalkyl ammonium oxidizing salts that are soluble in the (meth)acrylate component of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coating compositions containing a polymeric or copolymeric levelling agent, which has been prepared by nitroxyl-mediated polymerisation. Further aspects are a process for the preparation of smooth surface coatings and the use of said polymer or copolymer as levelling agent in coating compositions. Yet another aspect are specific ethylenically unsaturated monomer compositions from which copolymers can be obtained by atom transfer radical polymerisation or nitroxyl mediated polymerisation, which copolymers are useful as levelling agents in coating compositions. Still another aspect is the use of poly-tert.-butyl acrylate or poly-tert.butylmethacrylate as a levelling agent in powder coating compositions.

Abstract: A stable free radical process for preparing a polymer having acid anhydride functionality includes heating a mixture comprised of a stable free radical agent, maleic anhydride or derivative thereof, and at least one polymerizable electron donor monomer to initiate exothermic reaction and during exotherm of the reaction, adding additional amounts of stable free radical agent to control the reaction temperature. The mixture may also include a stable free radical initiator. In the mixture, the maleic anhydride or derivative thereof preferably comprises from about 10% to about 70%, molar basis, of a total amount of the maleic anhydride or derivative thereof and the at least one polymerizable electron donor monomer. Typically, the heating is to a temperature of from about 100° C. to about 160° C., and the rate of addition of the additional amounts of stable free radical agent is adjusted to control the reaction temperature to be about 160° C. or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric phosphinic acids and their salts of the formula (I) in which X is hydrogen or a 1/m metal of valency m, R1 and R2 are identical or different and are hydrogen, a carboxyl group, a carboxylic acid derivative, an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, phenyl, benzyl or alkyl-substituted aromatics, R3 and R4 are identical or different and are hydrogen or a vinyl group of the formula (VI) —CR1═CHR2  (VI) in which R1 and R2 have the abovementioned meaning, and {overscore (u)} is the average number of monomer units. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of the abovementioned compounds and their use.