Abstract: Hydrocarbons are recovered from a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation penetrated by an injection well and a production well by displacing hydrocarbons toward the production well using a drive fluid such as water thickened with a copolymer of acrylamide and vinyl sulfonic acid or salts thereof and saturated with carbon dioxide and/or natural gas at the injection pressure. If desired, the drive fluid may contain a small amount of a sulfated or sulfonated, ethoxylated acrylic acid polymer.

Abstract: What are disclosed are methods for making an aqueous dispersion of a synthetic resin copolymer, said dispersion having high pigment binding capacity and adaptable to use in the preparation of printing inks or pastes, said copolymer comprising a predominant amount of water insoluble monomers together with from 3 to 8 percent by weight of an acid component which is a water soluble acid or salt, which method comprises gradually adding said water insoluble monomers, together with a portion of said acid component, to an aqueous medium containing the balance of the acid component in the form of a dissolved water soluble salt; aqueous synthetic resin dispersions made by these methods; and printing inks comprising such an aqueous synthetic resin dispersion which has been neutralized and combined with such an amount of an organic solvent as converts the dispersion into a solution or colloidal dispersion of the synthetic resin.

Abstract: Homopolymers of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and copolymers of GMA with other methacrylate comonomers; their preparation employing an anionic initiator which is the adduct of a selected organo(alkali metal) compound and at least one mole of methyl methacrylate or another lower alkyl methacrylate; as well as solvolyzed forms of the GMA polymers.

Abstract: This invention relates to hot melt adhesive compositions which include an elastomeric co- or terpolymer, about 5 to about 100 parts by weight of a neutralized sulfonated co- or terpolymer per 100 parts by weight of the highly unsaturated hydrocarbon rubber, wherein the neutralized sulfonated elastomeric polymer has about 0.2 to about 5 weight percent of chemically combined sulfur and about 25 to about 200 parts by weight of a hydrocarbon resin of a petroleum or coal tar distillate, aliphatic dienes and mono and diolefins, cyclic olefins of 5 to 6 carbon atoms and hydrogenated poly cyclics per 100 parts by weight of the neutralized sulfonated co- or terpolymer rubber.

Abstract: A method of reducing the monomer content of water-in-oil emulsions of partially polymerized acrylamide polymers which comprises catalytically hydrogenating the monomer at a temperature not greater than 100.degree. C. and at a pressure below 500 psi.

Abstract: An aqueous artificial resin dispersion, comprising an aqueous phase and a water-insoluble disperse phase formed from particles containing a copolymer formed in substantial part from a water insoluble or slightly soluble first monomer, wherein the copolymer additionally is formed from a second monomer of the formula ##STR1## wherein R represents hydrogen or methyl, R' represents hydrogen or an alkyl radical with 1 to 12 C-atoms, R" represents an alkyl radical with 7 to 20 C-atoms, and M represents a proton, an alkali metal ion, or an ammonium ion, with the proviso that the aqueous phase is free of low molecular weight, ionic emulsifying agents. Such dispersions are particularly well suited for continuous emulsion polymerization because of the highly stable monomer emulsions formed by mixtures produced according to the invention.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing the attachment of dental plaque to the surfaces of the teeth of mammals comprises certain alkali metal salts of poly(vinylbenzoic acid) in pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles, and the periodic applications thereof to teeth.

Abstract: A family of polyfunctional surface-active comonomers which act to improve the adhesion between a resin or composite material and solid surfaces capable of binding polyvalent cations is described. These polyfunctional surface-active comonomers, or "PolySACs", are preferably the reaction product of an epoxy acrylate or methacrylate and an aminobenzoate. The adhesion of the resin or composite material to certain solid surfaces is also improved by the preparatory treatment of these surfaces with a monobasic acid of intermediate strength followed by treatment with a mordant.In its most preferred form the invention is employed in reconstructive dental work to improve the adhesion between a resin or composite material and dentin. The dentin is cleansed with isotonic formic acid, treated with an isotonic ferric chloride mordant and then treated with a PolySAC which is the reaction product of an oligomeric diglycidyl ether, acrylic acid and lithium ortho-aminobenzoate. The resin or composite material is then applied.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing the attachment of dental plaque to the surface of the teeth of mammals comprise certain salts of certain maleic acid copolymers in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and the periodic application thereof to teeth.

Abstract: There is provided a polymer useful as a water absorbing agent. The polymer preferably contains the reaction product of an olefinically-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an alkyl acrylate and minor amounts of a crosslinking agent all in specified proportions.

Abstract: An alkali metal acrylate polymer obtained by suspending an aqueous solution of acrylic acid and an alkali metal acrylate in an alicyclic or aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent containing a surfactant having an HLB value of 8-12 and subjecting the suspension to inverse suspension polymerization in the presence of a water-soluble radical polymerization initiator has a much higher water-absorbency and particularly salt solution-absorbency than known ones. If said polymer is crosslinked with a crosslinking agent, its stability in the fluid-absorbed state for a long period of time is improved and the absorption rate when absorbing water is also improved.

Abstract: There is provided a continuous process for the production of a copolymer of an alkali metal vinyl sulfonate and acrylic acid. The process comprises continuously feeding an aqueous solution of an alkali metal vinyl sulfonate and acrylic acid together with a polymerization initiator to a reaction zone. The reaction zone is operated adiabatically at a temperature sufficiently high to affect copolymerization of the alkali metal vinyl sulfonate and acrylic acid. The alkali metal vinyl sulfonate and acrylic acid are maintained in the reaction zone for a residence time sufficient to form a copolymer of these two monomers. The resultant copolymer is continuously removed from the reaction zone.

Abstract: Polymers and the process for producing polymers by the polymerization of at least three monomers wherein at least one monomer is selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethylene, trifluoromonochloroethylene, trifluoroethylene, vinylidene fluoride, 1,1-difluoro-2,2-dichloroethylene, 1,1-difluoro-2-chloroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropylene, octafluoroisobutylene ethylene, vinylchloride, trifluoronitrosomethane, perfluoronitrosoethane and alkyl vinyl ether,and at least one other monomer is selected from the group represented by the general formula: ##STR1## and at least one monomer is selected from the group of monomers represented by the general formula: ##STR2## These polymers are useful as ion exchange membranes in electrolytic cells, especially chlor-alkali electrolytic cells. Other uses include solid, strong acid catalyst useful in corrosive environments, electrodialysis and other similar membrane separation processes.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with an aqueous liquid composition comprising unsaturated monomers including (1) magnesium diacrylate and/or calcium diacrylate, (2) a polyol monoacrylate selected from hydroxyethyl acrylate and hydroxypropyl acrylate, and (3) a polyethylenically unsaturated monomer copolymerizable with (1) and (2) to produce covalent cross-linking bonds in the copolymer besides the ionizable magnesium bonds. The weight ratio of (3) to the sum of (1) and (2) is in the range of about 3:97 to about 5:95. Examples of monomers that can be used as part or all of component (3) include N,N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide and ethylene glycol diacrylate.

Abstract: An acid-stable surfactant, soluble in aqueous acidic medium, useful in emulsion polymerization, which is a copolymer containing the groups ##STR1## having one R--Z-- group and one --H group as terminal groups wherein R is a hydrocarbon group, ##STR2## R.sub.1 is --CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3, --CO.sub.2 C.sub.2 H.sub.5, --CO.sub.2 NH.sub.5 or --CN; each R.sub.2, each R.sub.3, each R.sub.4, each R.sub.5 and each R.sub.7 may be the same or different and each R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.7 is hydrogen or methyl; R.sub.6 is a group of the formula --CO.sub.2 H or its salt or a group of the formula --V--CO.sub.2 H or its salt wherein V is alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or alkaryl; W is a group containing a sulfonic acid or a salt of a sulfonic acid or W is a sulfonic acid group or its salt.

Abstract: A photographic element comprises a support having thereon a layer containing a novel polymer comprising a recurring unit having the formula: ##STR1## said element comprising a source of metal ions. The elements are useful in diffusion transfer processes, and particularly useful with chelating dyes or dye-forming materials to provide a metallized dye image.

Abstract: Sizing compositions comprising a terpolymer derived from(a) about 50 to about 70% by weight of at least one lower alkyl acrylate,(b) about 20 to about 40% by weight of at least one lower alkyl methacrylate, and(c) about 10% by weight acrylic acid or salt thereof.Such sizing compositions are especially useful when applied as a hot melt to a variety of filaments, yarns, fabrics, etc.

Abstract: Outstandingly suitable drilling mud additives are water soluble copolymers consisting essentially of a random distribution of(a) 5 to 95% by weight of units of the formula ##STR1## (b) 5 to 95% by weight of units of the formula ##STR2## and (c) 0 to 80% by weight of units of the formula ##STR3## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and each is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; and X.sup..sym. is a cation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous solution of a filtration control agent for utilization in said aqueous drilling fluid, useful in a method of forming a filter cake on the wall of a well for the reduction of filtrate from said drilling fluid, which is effective at high temperatures and pressures, the terpolymer consisting essentially of: (1) an alkali metal acrylate units; (2) hydroxyalkyl acrylate units; and (3) acrylamide.

Abstract: A composition useful for inhibiting adhesion and propagation of undesirable algae and/or shellfish on articles, which comprises triisobutyltin hydroxide, an arylsulfonic acid derivative and an organic solvent. The composition may further comprise a phenol substituted by an alkyl radical and a chlorine atom and/or a pyridazine derivative. A method of using the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The reaction of a polyfluorocarbonyl compound such as a polyfluoroketone or polyfluorocarboxylic acid fluoride with fluoride ion and a polyfluoroallyl chloride, bromide or fluorosulfate produces a polyfluoroallyloxy compound, e.g., CF.sub.2 .dbd.CFCF.sub.2 OCF.sub.2 CF.sub.3. The polyfluoroallyloxy compounds copolymerize with ethylenically unsaturated monomers such as tetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene or vinylidene fluoride to form polymers which are moldable, and in some cases electrically conducting or are water-wettable and dyeable.

Abstract: A radiation-shielding plastic material having an excellent transparency and superior mechanical properties, is produced by polymerizing, in the presence of a lead compound, a mixture of a vinyl monomer component (A) consisting of at least one member selected from alkyl methacrylates and acrylates, hydroxyalkyl methacrylates and acrylates and styrene and an organic acid component (B) containing, as an indispensable ingredient, at least one member selected from the compounds of the formulae (I) through (IV): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 =C.sub.1-10 hydrocarbon radical, R.sub.2 =C.sub.1-7 hydrocarbon radical, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 =H or CH.sub.3, R.sub.5 =C.sub.2-7 hydrocarbon radical, R.sub.6 =C.sub.1-3 hydrocarbon radical and n=0.about.4.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel sulfated copolymers of hydroxyethyl methacrylate and alkyl esters of acrylic acid and sulfated copolymers of hydroxyethyl acrylate and alkyl esters of methacrylic acid. The copolymers are useful as components in aqueous hair shampoo systems to provide an after-shampoo conditioning effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous drilling fluid composition, a filtration control agent for utilization in said aqueous drilling fluid, and a method of forming a filter cake on the wall of a well for the reduction of filtrate from said drilling fluid, which are effective at high temperatures and pressures, by utilization of a terpolymer of: (1) a monovalent alkali metal salt of acrylic acid; (2) an hydroxy alkyl acrylate; and (3) acrylamide.

Abstract: An absorbent resin composition obtained by copolymerizing in an aqueous solution a mixture of 100 parts by weight of an acrylate salt monomer (B) composed of 0 to 50 mol % of acrylic acid and 50 to 100 mol % of an alkali metal acrylate and 0.001 to 5 part by weight of a crosslinkable monomer (C) having 2 to 4 groups selected from the group consisting of CH.sub.2 .dbd.CHCO--, CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(CH.sub.3)C0-- and CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH-CH.sub.

Abstract: The reaction of a polyfluorocarbonyl compound such as a polyfluoroketone or polyfluorocarboxylic acid fluoride with fluoride ion and a polyfluoroallyl chloride, bromide or fluorosulfate produces a polyfluoroallyloxy carboxylic acid or ester, e.g., CF.sub.2 .dbd.CFCF.sub.2 OCF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 COOH. The polyfluoroallyloxy compounds copolymerize with ethylenically unsaturated monomers such as tetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene or vinylidene fluoride to form polymers which are moldable, and in some cases electrically conducting or are water-wettable and dyeable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous drilling fluid composition, a filtration control agent for utilization in said aqueous drilling fluid, and a method of forming a filter cake on the wall of a well for the reduction of filtrate from said drilling fluid, which are effective at high temperatures and pressures, by utilization of a terpolymer of: (1) a monovalent alkali metal salt of acrylic acid; (2) an hydroxy alkyl acrylate; and (3) acrylamide.

Abstract: Carboxyl or carboxyl salt containing polymers are prepared by polymerizing carboxyl containing monomers wherein greater than one percent of the carboxyl groups are neutralized with an alkali, ammonia or an amine, optionally copolymerized with other vinylidene monomers containing at least one terminal CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH< group dissolved in a solvent for the monomers which is a non-solvent for the polymer with a free radical catalyst, so that the resulting polymer is obtained suspended as a fine, readily recoverable substantially non-swollen fine powder. The solvents used are moderately to strongly hydrogen bonded and have solubility parameters of from about 8 to 15.

Abstract: Compounds represented by the formula ##STR1## and addition polymers thereof where m is an integer from 2 to about 10, x--is chlorine, hydroxy, carboxy or--AC--R).dbd.CH.sub.2--R is hydrogen or methyl, --R' is an ethylene or propylene group and--AC--R).dbd.CH.sub.2is one of ##STR2## These compounds and their addition polymers form complexes with alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts and permit the concentration of aqueous solutions of said salts. For example, a compound of the formula ##STR3## is polymerized with an azobis(isobutyronitrile) catalyst to form addition polymers of the repeating unit ##STR4## When cross-linked, rendering it water-insoluble, such an addition polymer concentrates an aqueous solution of sodium chloride when contacted with same at about 0.degree. C.

Abstract: An amphoteric polyelectrolyte which is useful as a paper additive capable of imparting dry strength to paper, a high molecular flocculant, a high molecular dehydrating agent or the like is prepared by copolymerizing a cationic vinyl monomer such as .beta.-methacryloxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride, an anionic vinyl monomer such as acrylic acid and a vinyl monomer such as acrylamide, optionally with a nonionic vinyl monomer such as acrylonitrile, in a solvent in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: An ink composition for ink jet recording which is an oil in-water type dispersion prepared by dispersing, in an aqueous medium, a mixture of a hydrophobic dye solution and finely divided particles of vinyl polymer, wherein the vinyl polymer is essentially insoluble in water and does not swell in water but swells in solvents capable of dissolving hydrophobic dyes, said ink composition having a low viscosity, a high density and being very stable. The records obtained using this ink composition are not smeared or removed upon contact with water or perspiration.

Abstract: Copolymers having the formula ##STR1## where B represents Na, K, NH.sub.4, ##STR2## or 2-amino-2-methylpropanol-1, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represent hydrogen or -(X) OH; X represents an alkylene having 1-3 carbon atoms or alkylene substituted by at least one hydroxy methyl, M represents at least one unsaturated monomer selected from acrylamides or methacrylamides substituted on the nitrogen by alkyl, the acrylates or methacrylates of monoalkyl ether of ethylene glycol or of polyethylene glycol, and N-vinylpyrrolidone, x is 22-64 mole percent, y is 13-71 mole percent, z is 6-23 mole percent, v is 0-22 mole percent and x+y+z+v is equal to 100 mole percent, can be produced by copolymerizing N,N-dimethylamino-2 ethyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid and optionally at least one other monomer corresponding to M.

Abstract: A method of preparing a resin by free radical emulsion polymerizing a monomer mixture comprised of (A) a water soluble bifunctional monomer, (B) a hard segment hydrophobic enhancing monomer, (C) optionally, a soft segment hydrophobic enhancing monomer, and (D) a hydrophilic enhancing organic acid. The particular advantage in the invention is the utilization of the water soluble bifunctional monomer which has the purpose of essentially eliminating the necessity of additional emulsifying agents. The resin prepared thereby is designed to be suitable for a water reducible composition.

Abstract: A polymer comprising acrylamide units or anionic sulfonate units and a unit having the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R is H, halogen or alkyl;L is a linking group; andM is H, an ammonium cation or an alkali metal, can be metallized to form a metallized polymer. The metallized polymer is useful either as or with a mordant for dyes or dye formers that chelate metals.

Abstract: Modacrylic fibers having high retraction, reduced inflammability and high glossiness, prepared by wet spinning a solution, in an organic spinning solvent miscible with water, of a mixture of copolymers from acrylonitrile, vinylidene chloride, at least a vinyl ester and at least an unsaturated monomer containing at least a sulphonic group, the acrylonitrile units being from 50% to 85% by weight and the vinyl ester units from 3% to 6% by weight; hot drawing the coagulated fiber in a mixture of water and spinning solvent; drying the fiber in hot air while leaving it free concurrently to contract; and subsequently further hot drawing it in air.

Abstract: There is provided a synthetic polymer useful as a thickener in aqueous compositions. The polymer preferably comprises the reaction product of methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate and vinyl acetate in certain specified proportions. The thickener is particularly effective in latex paint formulations.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomeric blend of:(A) EPM or EPDM type rubber;(B) amorphous polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer resin; and(C) crystalline polyolefin resin,characterized by improved processability and physical properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are solid, readily water-soluble addition polymers of acid addition salts of methacrylic acid and a 2-mono(lower)alkylaminoethyl methacrylate, whose lower alkyl group has up to 6 carbons and is straight or branched chain or cyclic. These polymers are insoluble in pentane, hexane and butane below their boiling points, and their aqueous solutions show amphoteric activity. These polymers result from polymerizing the starting monomeric acid addition salt of methacrylic acid and a 2-mono(lower)alkylaminoethyl methacrylate in the ratio of from about one mol to about 1.5 mols of one of them per mol of the other. Also disclosed is the method of producing these addition polymers by heating the starting acid addition salt under pressure in a low boiling aliphatic solvent at a temperature above its boiling point, from which after lowering the temperature the resulting addition polymer readily is separated as a light weight finely divided product.

Abstract: A liquid chloroprene polymer having substantially at least one carboxyl group in the molecule and having a number average molecular weight of about 500 to about 20,000 which is produced by(1) homopolymerizing a chloroprene monomer or(2) copolymerizing a chloroprene monomer with a monomer copolymerizable with a chloroprene monomer,in the presence of an organic solvent and about 0.5 to about 20 parts by weight of a mercaptocarboxylic acid per 100 parts by weight of the monomers. The liquid polymer is reacted with a polyvalent metal oxide or hydroxide to form a thermo-reversible elastomeric composition.

Abstract: A method of producing an acrylonitrile copolymer of 40 to 65 weight percent acrylonitrile and mainly vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride in amounts within the range102.8 <A+B+1.29C<107.4,wherein, A is a mixture of olefinic monomers excluding B and C, in weight percents, mainly comprising acrylonitrile; B is vinyl chloride in weight percents; and C is vinylidene chloride in weight percents; wherein the polymerization is carried out in an aqueous solution of 45 to 65 weight percent dimethyl formamide; and in the presence of 0.2 to 8.0 weight percent of at least one of vinyl benzyl sulfonic acid, derivatives of vinyl benzyl sulfonic acid or salts thereof. The polymer has excellent non-inflammable properties.

Abstract: A continuous process for the preparation of water-soluble copolymers of vinyl carboxylic acids and lower alkyl acrylates is disclosed. The process employs a tubular reactor and polymerizes the monomers in aqueous solution in the presence of a free radical catalyst. Molecular weights of from 3,000-300,000 and preferably from about 5,000-25,000 are obtained utilizing this process.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a foamable polymer composition comprising(A) a copolymer of 20-99.99 percent by weight of a member selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, 0-79.99 percent by weight of a further ethylenically unsaturated monomer copolymerizable therewith, and 0.01-5 percent by weight of a member selected from the group consisting of metal salts of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, and(B) a foaming agent compatible with said copolymer, methods for making such a composition, polymer foams prepared therefrom, and laminates of such foams with resin-impregnated fiber glass mats.

Abstract: A method for producing a lead containing monomer composition comprising reacting a mixture comprising (1) at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of alkyl methacrylate having 1-4 carbon atoms in an alkyl group, hydroxyalkyl acrylate, hydroxyalkyl methacrylate and styrene, (2) acrylic or methacrylic acid, (3) an organic acid having the general formula: R.sub.1 COOH, wherein R.sub.1 is hydrocarbon residue having 5-20 carbon atoms and optionally (4) an organic acid having the general formula: R.sub.2 COOH, wherein R.sub.2 is hydrocarbon residue having 2-4 carbon atoms with lead monoxide. The composition is polymerized to obtain a radiation shielding polymer.

Abstract: Water-soluble acrylic polymers are prepared by a sequential photopolymerization process. A monomer solution is deposited on a support which is subsequently irradiated to effect polymerization. Photopolymerization promoters are incorporated in the monomer solution to facilitate polymerization.

Abstract: Polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer, by either suspension or emulsion polymerization, optionally in the presence of a monoethylenically unsaturated comonomer, is carried out in the presence of a mixture of calcium and zinc acrylate. The presence of the calcium and zinc acrylate yields a more thermally stable product and reduces the amount of polymer scale formation during polymerization. A further improvement in thermal stability is achieved by conducting the polymerization with the added presence of an epoxy compound containing a reactive vinyl or allyl group.

Abstract: An anionic polymer of acrylamide having a skewed molecular weight distribution such that about 60% of said polymer has a molecular weight of about 500 to 2,000 and about 10% of said polymer has a molecular weight of about 4,000 to 12,000 has been discovered. The process of manufacturing this skewed molecular weight distribution anionic polymer is described. Its use as a scale inhibitor for controlling the deposition of adherent scales on the walls of vessels or pipes, and as an anti-precipitant for keeping alkaline earth cations in solution is also described. The use of the anionic polymer of acrylamide consisting of a skewed molecular weight could be used in recirculating water systems, boilers, and in evaporative and reverse osmosis desalination systems.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion of partially neutralized ethylene/.alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer having a specific composition distribution of the acidic units is found to have an excellent film-forming property and suitable for coating of various substrates. Articles coated with said aqueous dispersion are improved in various properties such as heat-sealability, oil resistance, water resistance, adhesiveness and so on.

Abstract: A process for sizing staple fiber yarns by applying an aqueous sizing liquor which contains an alkaline earth metal salt of a copolymer containing from 90 to 30% by weight of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid and from 10 to 70% by weight of acrylonitrile and/or methacrylonitrile, which copolymer has a viscosity of from 50 to 1,000 cp in 15% strength aqueous solution at 85.degree. C., and drying the treated yarns. The sized films obtained are moisture-insensitive and have good heat stability.

Abstract: Highly water absorbent films and fibers are prepared by photopolymerizing an alkaline metal salt of acrylic acid, at least one alkyl acrylate or methacrylate wherein the alkyl group contains 10 to 30 carbon atoms, at least one alkyl acrylate or methacrylate wherein the alkyl group contains 1 to 4 carbon atoms and a photoinitiator. The resulting interpolymers are particularly useful in the preparation of highly absorbent personal hygiene and care products.

Abstract: The process of continuously polymerizing acrylonitrile and other non-acidic mono-olefinic monomers with small amounts of certain acidic mono-olefinic monomers copolymerizable with acrylonitrile wherein the acrylonitrile and other non-acidic mono-olefinic monomers are continuously charged to a reactor and the acidic monomer is fed to the reactor in increments and in cycles, with a tall amount in a given cycle of 0.5 to 5 weight percent of the acidic monomer, based on total monomer weight fed in the cycle, being fed to the reactor during each cycle. Each cycle is made up of two time periods, with at least 65 percent of the acidic monomer being fed during the first time period and up to 35 percent being fed during the second time period. Preferably, all of the acidic monomer is fed to the reactor in the first time period. The first time period of the cycle is 5 to 25 percent of the second time period and the sum of first and second time periods, or cycle time, is about 15 to 25 percent of the reactor dwell time.