| abstract |
Alkali-soluble emulsion polymers that have been activated by at least partial neutralization, and subsequently acidified in the presence of a surfactant, are useful as thickeners in acidified, aqueous surfactant containing compositions, wherein the surfactant is present in an amount of 5 to 40% by weight of the water, thickener and surfactant. Preferred thickeners are those described in European Patent Application 13836. Neutralization to a pH above 6.5 and acidification to a pH below 6.5 is preferred. |