| abstract |
Acrylic emulsion copolymers are prepared by emulsion polymerization of (A) a surfactant monomer, (B) an alpha , beta -ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer, (C) a nonionic alpha , beta -ethylenically unsaturated monomer and (D) optionally a polyethylenically unsaturated cross-linking monomer. The surfactant monomer is prepared by condensing a mono or polyhydric alcohol nonionic surfactant with methylene succinic acid. At a low pH the copolymer may be in the form of an aqueous dispersion or latex, but thickens upon neutralization of at least some of the carboxyl groups. |