IMPROVED EMULSION POLYMERIZATION PROCESS UTILIZING A SPECIFICALLY DEFINED ETHYLENICALLY UNSATURATED POLYMERIZABLE WATER-SOLUBLE NONIONICSURFACTANT FORMED BY THE REACTION OF A DIALLYLAMINE, ETHYLENE OXIDE, AND PROPYLENE OXIDE AND/OR BUTYLENE OXIDE

摘要

An improved emulsion polymerization process utilizing at least one substantially water-insoluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer is provided for forming discrete solid polymeric particles suitable for use in coating and/or adhesive applications. During at least the initial portion of the polymerization a dissolved water-soluble polymerizable surfactant (as defined) formed by the reaction of a diallylamine, ethylene oxide, and propylene oxide and/or butylene oxide additionally is provided in the reaction zone in the continuous aqueous phase. The water-soluble polymerizable surfactant undergoes copolymerization and is substantially completely consumed during the course of the emulsion polymerization. The emulsion polymerization is carried out on a stable basis, there is no need to attempt to remove a surfactant at the conclusion of the emulsion polymerization, and the resulting polymeric particles are particularly well suited for coating and/or adhesive end uses where they form stable films and exhibit improved adhesion characteristics.