Abstract: A method for producing a vinyl ether polymer containing an oxyethylene chain is provided, including a the step of polymerizing vinyl ether represented by formula (1) in the presence of water as a polymerization solvent, a basic compound as an additive, and an organic azo-based compound as a radical polymerization initiator, and in pH of 5 or more, and the amount of the basic compound used is 0.01 to 0.5 mol % based on an amount of the vinyl ether. Formula (1) is wherein R1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbons, and n represents an integer from 1 to 10.

Abstract: The present invention provides aqueous caulk or sealant compositions that are substantially free of any plasticizer comprising an aqueous emulsion copolymer having a broad measured glass transition temperature by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), soft phases and hard phases, and two separate Tan Delta transition temperatures as measured by dimensional mechanical analysis (DMA), (ii) one or more filler in a filler to binder ratio of up to 4:1, and (iii) from 0.2 to 5 wt. % as solids, based on the total weight of the composition, of one or more thickener or rheology modifier. In addition, the invention provides methods of making the composition comprising polymerizing by gradually adding from a flask into a polymerization vessel a soft monomer composition, and, after feeding at least 20 wt. % of such composition in the vessel, gradually adding into the flask a hard comonomer composition, feeding all flask contents into the vessel and polymerizing.

Abstract: Provided is a composition preventing tissue adhesion and a method for preparing the same, and, more particularly, a composition preventing tissue adhesion which further contains a drug selectively inhibiting inflammatory response and a method for preparing the composition, in which the composition is produced through a chemical reaction by adding a cross-linking agent to an aqueous solution which contains a block copolymer containing a polyethyleneoxide block having the ability to suppress tissue adhesion, and a polymer with 10,000 to 1,000,000 g/mol of molecular weight which can be mixed with the copolymer; the composition is characterized in that the difference of viscosity, absorbance of visible rays region, and stability between the upper and lower liquid layers are within 10% when centrifuging the composition; and also the method for preparing the composition enhances cross-linking homogenization and viscosity stability through simultaneous spraying and stirring methods without a reaction retardant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous multistage polymer dispersions obtainable by free-radically initiated aqueous emulsion polymerization, having a soft phase and a hard phase, and a hard-to-soft stage ratio of 25% to 95% by weight to 75% to 5% by weight, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the soft phase, as first stage, being ?30 to 0° C. and that of the hard phase, as second stage, being 20 to 60° C., comprising at least one monomer of the general formula I in which the variables have the following definitions: n=0 to 2, R1, R2, R3=independently of one another hydrogen or methyl group, X=O or NH, Y=H, alkali metal or NH4, to processes for preparing these aqueous polymer dispersions, and to the use thereof as binders in coatings, and also to coatings comprising the polymer dispersion of the invention.

Abstract: A method for producing aqueous polymer dispersions by means of radically initiated emulsion polymerisation, in an aqueous medium, of vinyl ester and ethylene, in series-connected polymerisation reactors, wherein in a first discontinuous polymerisation phase at least some of the reactants are introduced into the first polymerisation reactor and the remainder is added in a metered fashion. The reactor is filled up to more than 90% by volume, and at least 90 wt % of the monomers are reacted; in a second continuous polymerisation phase, the reactants are continuously supplied to the first polymerisation reactor and product is continuously withdrawn, and the product is continuously transferred into a second polymerisation reactor, and in the second polymerisation reactor the polymerisation is continued until at least 98 wt % of the monomers used have reacted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous polymer dispersion whose dispersed addition polymer P comprises, copolymerized in free-radically polymerized form, at least one polar monomer having a water solubility of greater than 50 g/liter (measured at 20° C.), and obtainable by free-radically initiated aqueous emulsion polymerization, the polar monomer being metered to the reaction mixture during the polymerization process at a variable, i.e., nonconstant rate, for example in the sense of a rate gradient. The present invention further relates to processes for preparing these aqueous polymer dispersions, to their use as binders and/or in coatings, and also to coatings comprising the polymer dispersion of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a latex composition containing polymer particles that are polymerized in at least two stages including a first phase polymer having a relatively high molecular weight and a relatively high glass transition temperature, and a second phase polymer having a relatively low molecular weight, a relatively high glass transition temperature, and polymerized from constituent monomers that include a crosslinkable monomer. Paint compositions and architectural coatings containing the latex composition according to the invention are also described herein, as well as substrates coated therewith.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion of a copolymer with copolymerized units a) of at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, b) of at least one nonionic ethylenically unsaturated surfactant monomer, c) of at least one C1-C2-alkyl methacrylate, d) of at least one C2-C4-alkyl acrylate, where the alkyl chain length averaged over the number of alkyl groups of the alkyl acrylate is 2.1 to 4.0, is described. Following neutralization with alkali, the dispersion serves as associative thickener, in particular for liquid detergent and cleaner formulations. The thickeners are characterized by high transparency and high thickening effect coupled with high shear dilution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the polymerization of vinyl-containing monomers such as, for example, monomeric vinyl halides, in a reaction mixture, in which process less waste is generated.

Abstract: A process for preparing stable aqueous dispersions of composite particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous polymer dispersion whose dispersed addition polymer P comprises, copolymerized in free-radically polymerized form, at least one polar monomer having a water solubility of greater than 50 g/liter (measured at 20° C.), and obtainable by free-radically initiated aqueous emulsion polymerization, the polar monomer being metered to the reaction mixture during the polymerization process at a variable, i.e., nonconstant rate, for example in the sense of a rate gradient. The present invention further relates to processes for preparing these aqueous polymer dispersions, to their use as binders and/or in coatings, and also to coatings comprising the polymer dispersion of the invention.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising A) a first polymer comprising (a) hydrophobized nanoparticle; (b) C1 to C18, straight, branched, or cyclic alkyl(meth)acrylate; (c) N-methylol(meth)acrylamide or a monomer of formula (I) R—(OCH2CH2)a—O—C(O)—C(R1)?CH2??(I) ?wherein R is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, or —C(O)—C(R1)?CH2, and R1 is H or —CH3; said first polymer in contact with B) a second polymer comprising (d) a fluorinated monomer of formula (II) Rf1-L-X—C(O)—C(R)?CH2??(II) ?wherein Rf1 is a monovalent, partially or fully fluorinated, linear or branched, alkyl radical having 2 to about 100 carbon atoms; optionally interrupted by 1 to about 50 oxygen atoms; wherein the ratio of carbon atoms to oxygen atoms is at least 2:1 and no oxygen atoms are bonded to each other; L is a bond or a linear or branched divalent linking group having 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, said linking group optionally interrupted by 1 to about 4 hetero-radicals selected from the group consisting of —O—, —NR6—, —S—, —SO—, —SO2—, and —N(R6)

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process to polymerize one or more monomers wherein at most 90% w/w of a safely useable amount of a first initiator is used and a second initiator is dosed at least after the start of the polymerization, in an amount such that essentially the full cooling capacity of the polymerization reactor is used, resulting in a cost efficient process to make polymers, particularly polymers comprising polymerized vinyl chloride.

Abstract: Preparing a non-ionic copolymer having a hydrolysable monomer residue and a polyether macromonomer residue in a semicontinuous mode in a polymerization reactor associated with a metering device, including introducing polyether macromonomer and water into the reactor, wherein hydrolysable monomer which is added thereto forms a polymerization reaction mixture; introducing hydrolysable monomer into the metering device; adding hydrolysable monomer into the reactor from the metering device; passing a free radical polymerization initiator into the reactor before and/or during the addition of the hydrolysable monomer, the hydrolysable monomer and the polyether macromonomer reacting by free radical polymerization to form the non-ionic copolymer; and, subjecting the reaction mixture to polymerization while an addition rate of the hydrolysable monomer and/or at least a component of the polymerization initiator is varied stepwise or continuously.

Abstract: A method is described for producing an aqueous thickener dispersion from a monomer composition made of at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid and at least one ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer, (i) an at least partially polymerized pre-emulsion being produced from 10 to 80 wt.-% of said monomer composition, and (ii) the residual quantity of said monomer composition being added completely to the at least partially polymerized pre-emulsion and initiating a radical polymerization. The monomer composition preferably also comprises an associative monomer. The method avoids disadvantages of batch polymerization, such as inadequate batch-to-batch reproducibility and safety problems.

Abstract: This invention relates to the method for fabrication of polyisoprene aqueous emulsion, gloves and related products thereof, wherein the aqueous emulsion is polyisoprene or polynitrile aqueous emulsion obtained through free-radical emulsion polymerization initiated by initiating agent under normal pressure with isoprene as the monomer, or isoprene monomer, acrylonitrile monomer, and (methyl)acrylic acid as the monomer mixture, and emulsifying agent and dispersing agent as the emulsification system. After the isoprene or the mixture of isoprene monomer, acrylonitrile monomer, and (methyl)acrylic acid is mixed with the initiating agent, the oil phase obtained together with reducing agent is added dropwise in different time quantums. The polymerization conversion rate of polyisoprene aqueous emulsion or polynitrile aqueous emulsion according to this invention is increased from the original 78% to over 97.5%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing polymers by free-radical polymerization in solution, wherein the polymerization initiator used is an ethanol-soluble initiator, and the solution polymerization is carried out in an alcoholic solvent which comprises 5 to 50% by weight of water.

Abstract: Preparing a non-ionic copolymer having a hydrolysable monomer residue and a polyether macromonomer residue in a semicontinuous mode in a polymerization reactor associated with a metering device, including introducing polyether macromonomer and water into the reactor, wherein hydrolysable monomer which is added thereto forms a polymerization reaction mixture; introducing hydrolysable monomer into the metering device; adding hydrolysable monomer into the reactor from the metering device; passing a free radical polymerization initiator into the reactor before and/or during the addition of the hydrolysable monomer, the hydrolysable monomer and the polyether macromonomer reacting by free radical polymerization to form the non-ionic copolymer; and, subjecting the reaction mixture to polymerization while an addition rate of the hydrolysable monomer and/or at least a component of the polymerization initiator is varied stepwise or continuously.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel one-step process for preparing an aqueous polymer dispersion by the free radical aqueous emulsion polymerization comprising mixing at least water, a dispersant, and an oil-soluble initiator; raising a temperature from the starting to the end reaction temperature while metering at least ethylenically unsaturated monomers and a water-soluble initiator into a reaction vessel, conducting polymerization of the monomers in the presence of the water-soluble initiator at a temperature up to the end reaction temperature, and when the temperature has reached the end reaction temperature, conducting polymerization by the oil-soluble initiator. The oil-soluble initiator is inactive at the starting reaction temperature and becomes more active as a temperature approaches the end reaction temperature at which the oil-soluble initiator is fully active.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing aqueous secondary dispersions of water-insoluble copolymers by free-radical solution polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers M comprising: i) at least one hydrophobic, monoethylenically unsaturated monomer M1 with a solubility in water of not more than 30 g/l at 25° C. and 1 bar and ii) at least one hydrophilic, monoethylenically unsaturated, nonionic comonomer M2 with a solubility in water of at least 80 g/l at 25° C. and 1 bar, in an organic, water-miscible solvent or a mixture of water with an organic, water-miscible solvent as polymerization medium and subsequent replacement of the organic solvent by water in which, toward the end of the polymerization, some of the monomers M are added in the form of a monomer composition M? which comprises essentially only monomers M2 as monomers.

Abstract: Preparing a non-ionic copolymer having a hydrolysable monomer residue and a polyether macromonomer residue in a semicontinuous mode in a polymerization reactor associated with a metering device, including introducing polyether macromonomer and water into the reactor, wherein hydrolysable monomer which is added thereto forms a polymerization reaction mixture; introducing hydrolysable monomer into the metering device; adding hydrolysable monomer into the reactor from the metering device; passing a free radical polymerization initiator into the reactor before and/or during the addition of the hydrolysable monomer, the hydrolysable monomer and the polyether macromonomer reacting by free radical polymerization to form the non-ionic copolymer; and, subjecting the reaction mixture to polymerization while an addition rate of the hydrolysable monomer and/or at least a component of the polymerization initiator is varied stepwise or continuously.

Abstract: Preparing a non-ionic copolymer having a hydrolysable monomer residue and a polyether macromonomer residue in a semicontinuous mode in a polymerization reactor associated with a metering device, including introducing polyether macromonomer and water into the reactor, wherein hydrolysable monomer which is added thereto forms a polymerization reaction mixture; introducing hydrolysable monomer into the metering device; adding hydrolysable monomer into the reactor from the metering device; passing a free radical polymerization initiator into the reactor before and/or during the addition of the hydrolysable monomer, the hydrolysable monomer and the polyether macromonomer reacting by free radical polymerization to form the non-ionic copolymer; and, subjecting the reaction mixture to polymerization while an addition rate of the hydrolysable monomer and/or at least a component of the polymerization initiator is varied stepwise or continuously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers polymerized sequentially or in stages and having varied functionality and/or monomer content as the polymerization progresses, as well as the methods for making these polymers. The polymers according to the invention can advantageously be present in aqueous emulsion or latex form and can advantageously be used in paint compositions.

Abstract: A latex particle for use in ink-jet inks can comprise a latex polymer core and a latex polymer shell such that the latex polymer shell has a Tg that is at least 10° C. greater than the Tg of the latex polymer core. The latex polymer core can comprise at least one polymerized core monomer. The latex polymer shell can comprise at least two polymerized shell monomers including a urethane acrylate monomer.

Abstract: A method of preparing a modified diallyl-N,N-disubstituted ammonium halide polymer and use of the polymer in combination with one or more high molecular weight, water soluble cationic, anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic or amphoteric polymers for increasing retention and drainage in a papermaking furnish.

Abstract: Process for preparing monodisperse weakly basic or optionally strongly basic anion exchangers of the poly(meth)acrylamide type, the ion exchangers themselves and their use.

Abstract: A process for preparing copolymer dispersions that includes subjecting A) one or more vinyl monomer mixtures containing a) OH-free (meth)acrylic esters and/or vinylaromatics, b) hydroxy-functional vinyl monomers and/or hydroxy-functional (meth)acrylic esters, c) ionic and/or potentially ionic monomers capable of free-radical copolymerization, and d)optionally further monomers, other than the compounds of components a)–c), capable of free-radical copolymerization; to free-radical polymerization in the presence of e) compounds according to formula (I) where R1 is an aliphatic, araliphatic or aromatic radical having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, R2 is H or CH3, R3, R4 are identical or different aliphatc radicals having 1 to 7 carbon atoms and n is 1 to 4; and subsequently dispersing the resultant copolymer B) before or after addition of a neutralizing agent C) in water. The resulting dispersions can be used to coat substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing monodisperse anion-exchanger gels with high stability, purity and coarse particle size greater than 800 ?m starting from a monodisperse bead polymer with a swelling index of from 2.5 to 7.5 and more than one subsequent feed procedure without any separation between the polymerization steps and then modifying to give the anion exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber coated with a water blocking material that includes an essentially water free dispersion comprising a superabsorbent polymer and a dispersing medium. The fibers made according to this invention may be used, for example, as fiber reinforcing material used in the manufacture of cables, and in particular in yarns for fiber optical cables that use optical light wave guides for optical communication transmissions.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a polymer obtainable from the steps: polymerizing a mixture, that is substantially free or organic solvents, of ethylenically unsaturated monomers which consist for at least 70% of methacrylates, and which comprises specific chain transfer agents, ?-methylstyrene dimer being preferred, to form a first polymer, aqueous emulsion polymerizing a mixture comprising ethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of the first polymer to form a dispersion of a water-insoluble second polymer, wherein these steps are preferably performed in the absence or the substantial absence of a surfactant.

Abstract: Copolymers of zwitterionic monomer, especially 2-methacryloyloxyethyl-2?-trimethylammoniumethyl phosphate inner salt, and hydrophobic comonomer, especially dodecylmethacrylate, are made in a monomer starved polymerization process in which solutions of monomers are fed to the reaction vessel in which initiator is present over an extended period. The copolymers have improved compositional uniformity and provide better coatings on a range of substrates. The novel copolymers can be distinguished from prior art batch type bulk solution polymerization polymers of the same monomer composition by solubility characteristics especially in alcohol/water mixtures. Particularly preferred coating compositions comprise an alcohol:water mixture containing around 20 to 40% by volume alcohol.

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

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing odor emissions of aqueous aromatic vinyl-1,3-diene-copolymer dispersions which have been stabilized with a protective colloid. The invention also relates to redispersion powders obtained by drying said dispersions. This is achieved by emulsion polymerization of a mixture containing at least one aromatic vinyl and at least one 1,3-diene in the presence of one or more protective colloids and by optionally drying the polymer dispersion obtained thereby. The invention is characterized in that 0.01 to 15.0 wt. % of one or more monomers selected from the group of branched or unbranched alkyl esters containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical of monounsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acids are added at the end of the polymerization when the total content of the aqueous polymer dispersion containing free monomers ranges from >0 to ≦20 wt. %, whereby the given wt. % refers to the polymer content of the dispersion.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a novel water-soluble copolymer which is excellent in performance for uses, such as detergent builders, pigment dispersants, and scale inhibitors. In addition, the present invention provides: a novel liquid detergent builder which has extremely excellent compatibility, high transparency when a liquid detergent composition comprises it, and excellent detergency; and a novel liquid detergent composition comprising the liquid detergent builder.

Abstract: A process for preparing two-phase polymers based on vinyl ester and ethylene in the form of their aqueous polymer dispersions or water-redispersible polymer powders by means of free-radical initiated emulsion or suspension polymerization of one or more vinyl esters of carboxylic acids having 1 to 12 carbon atoms and ethylene as monomers and, if desired, further monomers copolymerizable therewith, in the presence of one or more protective colloids and/or emulsifiers and, if desired, drying the resultant aqueous polymer dispersion, wherein a first polymerization phase takes place at a low ethylene pressure of P less than or equal to 20 bar and in a second polymerization phase raising the pressure to a level of greater than 20 bar to less than 60 bar, the polymer product having an ethylene distribution of less than or equal to 50% by weight of total ethylene from the first polymerization phase and greater than 50% by weight ethylene from the second polymerization phase.

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

Abstract: A coating composition containing an emulsion polymer prepared with up to about 20% by weight, based on total polymerizable monomers, of addition polymerizable esters of the glycidyl esters of tertiary acids having 9 or more carbon atoms, preferably up to 18 carbon atoms, and particularly having 9 to 11 carbon atoms has improved application properties and produces coatings with better appearance and less water sensitivity. The emulsion polymerization process of the invention produces less coagulum without having to increase the amount of surfactant.

Abstract: In the process and a correspondingly appropriate device for preparing homo- or copolymers of at least one of the, polymerizable monomers of the group consisting of styrene, butadiene, vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, vinylidene chloride, alkyl (meth)acrylatc (meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acrylonitrile and (meth)acrylamide reaction is carried out at at least 40° C. in the presence of a dispersing auxiliary and of a free-radical polymerization initiator such that at least 85% by weight of the polymer is formed from these monomers.

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 synthetic latex is prepared by charging a portion of water and a monomer as raw materials in a reactor in a ratio of monomer/water, at which a maximum ultimate pressure in said reactor that is attained if an initial composition in said reactor before the initiation of the polymerization is polymerized from a polymerization initiation temperature in an insulated state, is within a practical proof pressure of said reactor; initiating the polymerization; adding dropwise the remainder of said water and said monomer during the polymerization, continuously or intermittently, and performing the emulsion polymerization. As a result, the emulsion polymerization can be stably performed while controlling the temperature and pressure in said reactor in a runaway reaction in all processes of the method of preparing the synthetic latex, thus making it possible to improve the productivity.

Abstract: An olefin polymerization catalyst obtained by contacting a specific transition metal compound(A), an organoaluminumoxy compound (B) soluble in an aromatic solvent and water (C), and a process for producing an olefin polymer with said catalyst.

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

Abstract: A process for preparing aqueous polymer dispersions comprises first of all subjecting ethylenically unsaturated monomers to free-radical aqueous emulsion polymerization to prepare an aqueous dispersion of a polymer 1 having a glass transition temperature Tg1, then dissolving further, comparatively hard monomers in the dispersed particles of the polymer 1, and subsequently carrying out free-radical polymerization of said monomers dissolved in said particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to crosslinked bead polymers doped with superparamagnetic iron oxide, to a process for the preparation of the bead polymers, and to the use thereof in nucleic acid diagnosis.

Abstract: Process for the copolymerization of free radical polymerizable comonomers such as vinyl acetate with an unsaturated diester such as diakyl fumarate which is carried out in the presence of water to produce copolymers such as fumarate vinyl acetate copolymers useful as lubricating oil and fuel oil additives, for example, as wax crystal modifiers and flow improvers.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of polymer particles having a mode particle size of at least 50 &mgr;m which process comprises (a) obtaining a first particulate polymer seed material having a mode particle diameter of no more than 50 &mgr;m; (b) using said first seed material, performing a suspension polymerization involving the steps: (i) forming an aqueous dispersion comprising a polymer seed material, an organic compound (e.g. a polymerization initiator) which has a molecular weight of less than 5000 Daltons and a water solubility of less than 10−2 g/L at 25° C., a stabilizer and optionally an organic solvent (e.g. acetone or a portion of the monomer mentioned below); (ii) allowing said organic compound to diffuse into the seed material to produce an activated seed material; and (iii) contacting said activated seed material with a monomer (e.g.

Abstract: A nitrile group-containing highly saturated copolymer rubber comprising (a) 10-40 wt. % of &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated nitrile monomer units, (b) 10-60 wt. % of &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid ester monomer units, (c) 0.01-21 wt. % of conjugated diene monomer units, and (d) 14-69.99 wt. % of saturated conjugated diene monomer units, wherein the sum of monomer units (c) plus (d) is 20-70 wt. %, the ratio of monomer units (d)/[monomer units (c) plus (d)] is at least 70 wt. %, and the difference between the extrapolated glass transition-initiating temperature (Tig) and the extrapolated glass transition-ending temperature (Teg), as measured by DSC is not higher than 10° C. The copolymer rubber gives a crosslinked product having good cold resistance, oil resistance and dynamic properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydroxy-functional copolymer P, which is present as a dispersion and/or solution in water, and is obtained by successively carrying out process steps A-D: A) initially introducing a hydrophobic polymer containing hydroxyl groups into a reaction vessel, B) introducing an initiator component into that vessel, C) subsequently polymerizing a hydrophobic monomer mixture containing hydroxyl groups in that vessel and D) subsequently polymerizing a hydrophilic monomer mixture containing hydroxyl and acid groups in that vessel. The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of copolymers P following the procedure previously set forth and to coating compositions containing these copolymers P and one or more crosslinking agents.