Abstract: An oriented pressure sensitively adhesive system comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive which is comprised of at least one block copolymer composed at least in part of (meth)acrylic acid derivatives, and at least one block copolymer comprising the unit P(A)-P(B)-P(A), where P(A) independently of one another represent homopolymer blocks or copolymer blocks of monomers A, the polymer blocks P(A) each having a softening temperature in the range from +20° C. to +175° C., P(B) represents a homopolymer block or copolymer block of monomers B, the polymer block P(B) having a softening temperature in the range from −130° C. to +10° C., wherein the refractive index nMD measured in one direction is greater than the refractive index nCD measured in a direction perpendicular to that direction.

Abstract: The invention provides carbamate-functional resins and coating compositions incorporating said resins that have improved adhesion with respect to subsequently applied films or coatings. More particularly, the invention relates to carbamate-functional addition polymers having at least 250 grams of polymer per carbamate group which are made with less than 35 percent by weight of nonfunctional monomers, preferably with less than 20 percent by weight and most preferably from 0 to less than 10 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer. The invention further provides a method of making a carbamate-functional polymer and carbamate-functional polymers made by the claimed method. Finally, the invention provides a method for improving the adhesion of a first coating composition to a subsequently applied material as well as a method of making a composite comprising a coated substrate, an adhesive composition, and a glass having at least one surface.

Abstract: The invention provides carbamate-functional resins and coating compositions incorporating said resins that have improved adhesion with respect to subsequently applied films or coatings. More particularly, the invention relates to carbamate-functional addition polymers having at least 250 grams of polymer per carbamate group which are made with less than 35 percent by weight of nonfunctional monomers, preferably with less than 20 percent by weight and most preferably from 0 to less than 10 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer. The invention further provides a method of making a carbamate-functional polymer and carbamate-functional polymers made by the claimed method. Finally, the invention provides a method for improving the adhesion of a first coating composition to a subsequently applied material as well as a method of making a composite comprising a coated substrate, an adhesive composition, and a glass having at least one surface.

Abstract: It has been discovered that the polymerization of unsaturated compounds, such as butadiene, may be inhibited by the addition of a diene and/or alkanolamine inhibitor. The inhibitor is believed to catalytically destroy peroxides present, such as hydrogen peroxide, which may be present in trace amounts. Particularly useful inhibitors include, but are not limited to, ethylenediamine (EDA) and monoethanolamine (MEA).

Abstract: A high molecular weight water soluble acrylamide based polymer having improved flocculating and dewatering properties is provided. The polymer is prepared by a process in which a small quantity of a chain branching agent is added to the polymerization reaction mixture continuously or stepwise while the monomers are polymerized. The polymer is useful in solid/liquid separations such as flocculants and coagulants in wastewater treatment applications, and as thickening agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides pressure-sensitive adhesives having a refractive index of at least 1.48. The pressure-sensitive adhesives comprise at least one monomer containing a substituted or an unsubstituted aromatic moiety.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-leachable, oil based carrier derived from the anhydrous free radical solution polymerization of a water insoluble acrylate and/or acrylamide monomer in an oil medium for use in long lasting skin lubricating formulations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing water-soluble or water-swellable polymer products with low levels of residual monomers using acrylic acid and/or acrylic acid derivatives, which process is characterized by adding a nitrogen compound to the monomer solution to be polymerized and subsequent heating of the polymer product at temperatures of from 120 to 240° C. The polymers produced accordingly are suitable for use as flocculants, dispersants and absorbents.

Abstract: Optically transparent, high refractive index hydrogels and intraocular lenses fabricated therefrom. The preferred hydrogels have a refractive index of 1.45 or above and a water content of approximately 5 to 30 percent by weight.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of gel-free poly 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate substantially in the absence of a chain transfer agent, comprising introducing monomeric 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate containing ethylene glycol dimethacrylate impurities in the range of about 0.05 to 0.1% by weight into a solution of alcohol and water and polymerizing. The present invention also provides a method for the preparation of gel-free homopolymer of 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate substantially in the absence of a chain transfer agent in an alcohol or in solution of alcohol and water. The present invention also provides a method for the preparation of gel-free copolymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate substantially in the absence of a chain transfer agent, comprising introducing monomeric 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate containing ethylene glycol dimethacrylate impurities in the range of about 0.05 to 0.1% by weight with monomeric 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate into a solution of alcohol and water.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented polyester film with a substantially non-crosslinked polymeric coating containing styrene and acrylate, wherein the coating is highly thermally stable with a primary onset temperature of greater than about 350C, having a glass transition temperature between about 0C and about 50C, having a solubility in a low molecular weight organic solvent, and having a surface energy of greater than about 35 dyne/cm and less than about 40 dyne/cm.

Abstract: A polymer composition for use in forming a stent is described. The composition includes a monomer of an aliphatic ester of acrylic acid which has a glass transition temperature less than 25° C. and a second monomer that copolymerizes with the first monomer and which has a glass transition temperature greater than 25° C. The components in the composition are mixed in amounts suitable to give a copolymer having a glass transition temperature less than 25° C., or in case of block copolymers, having at least one glass transition temperature less than 25° C. A stent including polymer members formed from the described composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to ophthalmic materials and ophthalmic lenses that are a co-polymerization product of a (a) hydrophilic monomer with (b) a tris(siloxy)silyl group-containing monomer, (c) a wide variety of hydrophobic monomers (both aliphatic and aromatic) and usually a (d) polyfluorinated monomer, as well as optional monomers or monomer mixtures that can include a cationic monomer, a non-aromatic hydrophobic monomer and a poly(dimethylsiloxy)silyl group-containing monomer. A contact lens prepared from such a co-polymer exhibits enhanced water content, while maintaining exceptional oxygen permeability, thereby providing a lens that can be worn comfortably for prolonged periods of time. A process for the preparation of such lenses is also disclosed.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing polymer particles which are spherical and have smooth surfaces and small contents of oil- and the solvent-soluble at the time of being compounded. Polymer particles are produced by adding 0.099 to 47 parts by mass of a crosslinking vinyl monomer to 100 parts by mass of a vinyl monomer (referred to hereinafter as the monomer) during polymerization reaction at a degree of monomer polymerization of 1 to 100% in order to polymerize the monomer in a solvent in the presence of a dispersant and a polymerization initiator to give polymer particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymerizable composition comprising a) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and b1) at least one multifunctional triazinyl based 2,2,6,6 tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl and a free radical initiator or b2) at least one multifunctional triazinyl based 2,2,6,6 tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl-ether. Further aspects of the present invention are a process for polymerizing ethylenically unsaturated monomers, the (co)polymers obtainable by this process and the use of multifunctional triazinyl based 2,2,6,6 tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyls in combination with a free radical initiator, or a multi-functional triazinyl based 2,2,6,6 tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl-ethers for controlled polymerization.

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: A production process for a vinyl-based polymer is provided. The production process comprises a step for polymerizing a vinyl-based monomer by a radical reaction within an aqueous medium in a polymerization vessel, and a step for supplying a reaction inhibitor with a melting point of no more than 40° C. from a reaction inhibitor supply tank to the polymerization vessel via a reaction inhibitor supply pipe. The reaction inhibitor supply tank and the reaction inhibitor supply pipe are heated, and the reaction inhibitor is added to the polymerization vessel in a liquid state with a viscosity of no more than 200 mPa·s. The reaction inhibitor can be added to the polymerization mixture without the use of an organic solvent even at low temperatures, and problems such as the solidification of the reaction inhibitor inside the supply tank or piping, and subsequent blocking of the piping do not occur.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing hyperbranched polymers comprising heating a polymerizable reaction charge comprising (a) a monomer mixture comprising 50-99.1% by weight of at least one monoethylenically unsaturated monomer and 0.1-50% by weight of one or more multiethylenically unsaturated monomers and (b) if at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer of the monomer mixture is not a thermally initiating monomer, a free radical polymerization initiator, to a temperature in the range from about 250° C. to about 400° C. in a continuous reactor which allows mixing of the reactor contents for a residence time of from about 2 minutes to about 60 minutes, provided that if the total amount of multiethylenically unsaturated monomer is less than 3% by weight of the monomer mixture than at least one of said one or more multiethylenically unsaturated monomers must be tri- or greater ethylenically unsaturated. The hyperbranched polymers prepared by this process are also described.

Abstract: A new polymerization process (atom transfer radical polymerization, or ATRP) based on a redox reaction between a transition metal (e.g., Cu(I)/Cu(II), provides “living” or controlled radical polymerization of styrene, (meth)acrylates, and other radically polymerizable monomers. Using various simple organic halides as model halogen atom transfer precursors (initiators) and transition metal complexes as a model halogen atom transfer promoters (catalysts), a “living” radical polymerization affords (co)polymers having the predetermined number average molecular weight by &Dgr;[M]/[I]0 (up to Mn>105) and a surprisingly narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn), as low as 1.15. The participation of free radical intermediates in ATRP is supported by end-group analysis and stereochemistry of the polymerization. In addition, polymers with various topologies (e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides carbamate-functional resins and coating compositions incorporating said resins that have improved adhesion with respect to subsequently applied films or coatings. More particularly, the invention relates to carbamate-functional addition polymers having at least 250 grams of polymer per carbamate group which are made with less than 35 percent by weight of nonfunctional monomers, preferably with less than 20 percent by weight and most preferably from 0 to less than 10 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer. The invention further provides a method of making a carbamate-functional polymer and carbamate-functional polymers made by the claimed method. Finally, the invention provides a method for improving the adhesion of a first coating composition to a subsequently applied material as well as a method of making a composite comprising a coated substrate, an adhesive composition, and a glass having at least one surface.

Abstract: The invention provides carbamate-functional resins and coating compositions incorporating said resins that have improved adhesion with respect to subsequently applied films or coatings. More particularly, the invention relates to carbamate-functional addition polymers having at least 250 grams of polymer per carbamate group which are made with less than 35 percent by weight of nonfunctional monomers, preferably with less than 20 percent by weight and most preferably from 0 to less than 10 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer. The invention further provides a method of making a carbamate-functional polymer and carbamate-functional polymers made by the claimed method. Finally, the invention provides a method for improving the adhesion of a first coating composition to a subsequently applied material as well as a method of making a composite comprising a coated substrate, an adhesive composition, and a glass having at least one surface.

Abstract: The invention provides carbamate-functional resins and coating compositions incorporating said resins that have improved adhesion with respect to subsequently applied films or coatings. More particularly, the invention relates to carbamate-functional addition polymers having at least 250 grams of polymer per carbamate group which are made with less than 35 percent by weight of nonfunctional monomers, preferably with less than 20 percent by weight and most preferably from 0 to less than 10 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer. The invention further provides a method of making a carbamate-functional polymer and carbamate-functional polymers made by the claimed method. Finally, the invention provides a method for improving the adhesion of a first coating composition to a subsequently applied material as well as a method of making a composite comprising a coated substrate, an adhesive composition, and a glass having at least one surface.

Abstract: A high molecular weight water soluble acrylamide based polymer having improved flocculating and dewatering properties is provided. The polymer is prepared by a process in which a small quantity of a chain branching agent is added to the polymerization reaction mixture continuously or stepwise while the monomers are polymerized. The polymer is useful in solid/liquid separations such as flocculants and coagulants in wastewater treatment applications, and as thickening agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a phosphate group-containing resin obtained by copolymerizing: (a) a polymerizable monomer having a phosphate group represented by a formula [—OPO(OR)(OH)] (wherein R represents a hydrocarbon group having 4 to 10 carbon atoms), (b) a polymerizable monomer having a phosphoric acid group represented by a formula [—OPO(OH)2] and (c) a (meth)acrylate base polymerizable monomer having two tertiary alkyl groups in a molecule and to a water based metallic coating material composition comprising the above phosphate group-containing resin and a metallic pigment.

Abstract: Copolymers prepared by radical polymerization of a fluorine-containing aromatic monomer and an acrylate-based comonomer that may or may not be fluorinated. The polymers are useful in lithographic photoresist compositions, particularly chemical amplification resists. In a preferred embodiment, the polymers are substantially transparent to deep ultraviolet (DUV) radiation, i.e., radiation of a wavelength less than 250 nm, including 157 nm and 248 nm radiation, and are thus useful in DUV lithographic photoresist compositions. A method for using the composition to generate resist images on a substrate is also provided, i.e., in the manufacture of integrated circuits or the like.

Abstract: A printing fluid composition with an additive which functions as a compatibilizer between the hydrophilic material coating a media surface and the hydrophobic thermal transfer overcoat (TTO) material used in a clear protective TTO overcoat and a method of using such an printing fluid composition to promote adhesion of such TTO material and a digitally printed medium.

Abstract: The invention provides a resin molded article for optical products comprising a copolymer predominantly composed of methyl methacrylate and a styrenic monomer, wherein the number of foreign bodies contained in the resin molded article having a length of 210 mm, a width of 210 mm and a thickness of 3 mm as visually examined using a strain meter is about 150 or less, which is useful for a light transmitting plate employed in a liquid crystal display device because the possibility that the display screen looks whitely turbid due to the warp of the light transmitting plate, is reduced.

Abstract: A polymer composition for use in forming a stent is described. The composition includes a monomer of an aliphatic ester of acrylic acid which has a glass transition temperature less than 25° C. and a second monomer that copolymerizes with the first monomer and which has a glass transition temperature greater than 25° C. The components in the composition are mixed in amounts suitable to give a copolymer having a glass transition temperature less than 25° C., or in case of block copolymers, having at least one glass transition temperature less than 25° C. A stent including polymer members formed from the described composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer is produced by feeding a polymerization initiator, a cationically polymerizable monomer component and a catalyst continuously to a flow-through stirring vessel reactor to thereby allow the living polymerization to initiate and feeding a reaction solution from said flow-through stirring vessel reactor to a flow-through tubular reactor continuously to thereby allow the living polymerization to proceed, said reaction solution having a conversion rate of said cationically polymerizable monomer component of not less than 1% by weight to less than 90% by weight.

Abstract: A catalyst system useful to polymerize and co-polymerize polar and non-polar olefin monomers is formed by in situ reduction with a reducing agent of a catalyst precursor comprising

Abstract: A polymer composed overall of from 50 to 99.98 % by weight of C1-C12 alkyl (meth)acrylate a), from 0.02 to 10 % by weight of a vinylaromatic compound b), from 0 to 10 % by weight of an ethylenically unsaturated acid or of an ehtylenically unsaturated acid anhydride c),  and from 0 to 40% by weight of further monomers d), the percentages by weight being based on the polymer and the polymer being obtainable by polymerizing the monomers a) to d) in at least two stages which differ in their content of vinylaromatic compounds in such a way that the content of vinylaromatic compounds in the vinylaromatics-rich stage is at least 5 times as great as in the low-vinylaromatics stage.

Abstract: An oriented pressure sensitively adhesive system comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive which is comprised of at least one block copolymer composed at least in part of (meth)acrylic acid derivatives, and at least one block copolymer comprising the unit P(A)-P(B)-P(A), where

Abstract: Process for the polymerization of unsaturated vinyl and/or vinylidene monomers which comprises reacting one or more monomers in the presence of heterocyclic initiators having a nitrogen atom bound to an oxygen atom at a temperature ranging from 100 to 130° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer produced by polymerizing a vinyl aromatic monomer in the presence of a small amount of furfuryl (alkyl)acrylate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymerizable composition comprising a) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and b1) at least one multifunctional triazinyl based 2,2,6,6 tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl and a free radical initiator or b2) at least one multifunctional triazinyl based 2,2,6,6 tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl-ether. Further aspects of the present invention are a process for polymerizing ethylenically unsaturated monomers, the (co)polymers obtainable by this process and the use of multifunctional triazinyl based 2,2,6,6 tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyls in combination with a free radical initiator, or a multifunctional triazinyl based 2,2,6,6 tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl-ethers for controlled polymerization. In a particularly preferred embodiment at least one additional heating step at a temperature from 140 to 280° C. is applied after polymerization is completed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the preparation of hydrophilic water insoluble, gel-free copolymers of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and at least one of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate and acrylic or methacrylic acid, where the copolymers are prepared in a solution of water and alcohol using monomeric 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate containing ethylene glycol dimethacrylate impurities up to about 0.15% by weight and substantially in the absence of a chain transfer agent. The copolymers are convertible to water soluble copolymers by pH adjustment. The invention also provides a method for the preparation of a copolymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate, and a homopolymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate in a solution of water and either a monoalcohol or a polyhydric alcohol.

Abstract: Glycidyl and alkylcarbonyl functional nitroxide radical polymerization initiator compounds of formula (Ia) or (Ib), where R1, R2 and A are as defined within, R3 is a radical of formula (II)  where X is phenylene, naphthylene or biphenylene, which are unsubstituted or substituted by NO2, halogen, amino, hydroxy, cyano, carboxy, C1-C4alkoxy, C1-C4alkylthio, C1-C4alkylamino or di(C1-C4alkyl)amino; the R12 are independently of each other H or CH3; D is a group  a group C(O)—R13 or a group C(O)—R9—C(O)—R13; R13 is C1-C18alkyl and m is a number from 1 to 4, provide polymeric resin products having low polydispersity, polymerization processes that proceed with good monomer to polymer conversion efficiencies and polymers that contain a glycidyl or alkylcarbonyl group.

Abstract: A method for polymerization of substituted ethylene monomers in an enzyme-mediated process is disclosed. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions with a wide variety of monomers, and is capable of producing stereoregular polymers. In certain embodiments, no organic solvent is necessary.

Abstract: PSAs and protective coatings are provided, and include solvent, emulsion, and hot melt PSAs formulated with at least one benzocyclobutenone (BCBO) monomer. UV-cured PSAs and coatings are provided, and include cured BCBO-containing polymers and cured mixtures of BCBO-containing and OH-containing polymers.

Abstract: A method is provided for the production of a graft copolymer or acrylate polymer blend in the presence of at least one liquid diluent comprising the steps of (1) providing a reaction mixture of at least one A monomer consisting of a monomeric (meth)acrylic acid ester of a non-tertiary alcohol in admixture with at least one liquid diluent which is non-reactive under conditions of free radical polymerization employed, optionally at least one B monomer different from said A monomer, optionally at least one polymeric graft moiety C having a Tg greater than 20° C.

Abstract: Novel fluorine-containing paper sizes which impart oil and grease resistance to paper and soil-release properties to textile products are described which are the copolymerization products of (a) a perfluoroalkyl-substituted (meth)acrylate or (meth)acrylamide, (b) a secondary- or tertiary-amino or quaternary ammonium group-containing (meth)acrylate or (meth)acrylamide, (c) vinylidene chloride and, optionally, d) other copolymerizable nonfluorinated vinyl monomers.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the continuous preparation of polymers Two reaction partners (starting materials) are stored in separate reservoirs 2, 3, 4 and 5 and are transported using overpressure via heated heat exchangers 11, 12 into a micromixer 18 by means of control and metering devices 6, 7, which can be metering pumps. In the heat exchangers 11, 12, the starting materials are heated, separately in each case, to the extent that during the mixing operation in the micromixer 18 the required reaction temperature is immediately reached. The polymerization takes place in a downstream tube reactor 20 which consists of tubes 21, 22, 23 which are connected in series.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing water-soluble or water-swellable polymerizates with a low residual monomer content from acrylic acid and/or acrylic acid derivatives. The method is characterized by the addition of a nitrogen compound to the monomer solution to be polymerized, an in that the polymerizate is subsequently heated at temperature of 120 to 240° C. The polymerizates produced according to the inventive method are suitable as flocculants, dispersants and absorbers.

Abstract: A compound and a method of forming a photopolymerizable acrylated glycidyl acrylic terpolymer resin compound is disclosed. The polymeric resin may be formed in a two-step process. A photopolymerizable acrylic hybrid polymer is suitable for forming films having glass transition temperatures from about −55 degrees C. to about 110 degrees C. A non-aromatic photopolymerizable acrylate polymer may be formed by combining, in a first step, a reactive source of epoxide ion groups. In a second step, the glycidyl acrylic terpolymer formed in the first step is reacted with a catalyst and a source of unsaturated acid or anhydride to form an acrylate polymer. A ring opening reaction is employed such that an acid or an anhydride containing a conjugated double bond forms an acrylated acrylic, an acrylated fluorinated acrylic, an acrylated silonted acrylic, or an acrylated halogenated grafted acrylic. The cure process is initiated with specific UV or visible light promotors and/or with a UV or visible light source.

Abstract: A physically cross-linked copolymer comprising hydrophobic monomers, hydrogen bonding monomers, and thermosensitive monomers, said thermosensitive monomers having a distinct phase change at its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) when existing as a homopolymer. The physically cross-linked copolymer is used for drug delivery system or for enzyme delivery system. The physically cross-linked copolymer is also used for casting shapes of cavities, for production of miniaturized, detailed micro-parts or micro-machine parts, or for production of thermal switches.

Abstract: The invention provides carbamate-functional resins and coating compositions incorporating said resins that have improved adhesion with respect to subsequently applied films or coatings. More particularly, the invention relates to carbamate-functional addition polymers having at least 250 grams of polymer per carbamate group which are made with less than 35 percent by weight of nonfunctional monomers, preferably with less than 20 percent by weight and most preferably from 0 to less than 10 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer. The invention further provides a method of making a carbamate-functional polymer and carbamate-functional polymers made by the claimed method. Finally, the invention provides a method for improving the adhesion of a first coating composition to a subsequently applied material as well as a method of making a composite comprising a coated substrate, an adhesive composition, and a glass having at least one surface.

Abstract: A stent for insertion into a lumen, having rigid regions and flexible regions along its length, and one or more polymer members coaxially disposed about the outer surface of the stent The polymer members are positioned over the rigid regions of the support stent, while the flexible regions are uncovered and free of polymer members, wherein the polymer members are radially expandable with the support stent.

Abstract: A beaded polymeric adsorbent has a core part; a shell part arranged around the core part, with one of the parts having a lipophilic property and another of the parts having a hydrophilic property, and is produced by preparing an organic phase composed of water insoluble monounsaturated and poly unsaturated comonomers; preparing an aqueous phase composed of a mixture of water soluble monounsaturated and polyunsaturated comonomers; forming a dispersion of the organic phase and the aqueous phase in a single vessel; and creating conditions for first polymerizing of one of the phases which forms the core part and thereafter polymerizing the other of the phases which forms the shell part.

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 present invention provides a method of preparing a polymer, which comprises subjecting a monomer containing at least a polar unsaturated compound to anionic polymerization in the presence of a phosphazenium compound represented by the formula (1): (wherein Z− is an anion of an active hydrogen compound in the form where a proton is eliminated from the active hydrogen compound and transferred to the anion; a, b, c and d each represents 1 or 0, but all of them are not simultaneously 0; and R may the same or different and each represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and two R(s) on the same nitrogen atom are optionally combined each other to form a cyclic structure), or in the presence of the phosphazenium compound and the active hydrogen compound. The resulting polymer is characterized by narrow molecular weight distribution.