The present invention relates to an aqueous dispersion of polymeric microspheres with a high surface Young's modulus and a relatively low core Young's modulus. The dispersion of the present invention is useful in paint formulations for providing improving hydrophobic stain resistance, for example, resistance to lipstick.

Disclosed is a composition comprising a polycarbonate or engineering resin and a branched polymer which is a reaction product of reactants comprising one or more monoethylenically unsaturated ester monomers, a chain transfer agent in an amount of 0.1 to 10 weight percent, and a crosslinker in an amount of 0.1 to 10 weight percent of a crosslinker, wherein weight percent is based on total amount of reactants, provided the amount of crosslinker in moles is less than the effective amount of chain transfer agent in moles, and articles thereof.

Disclosed is a composition comprising a polycarbonate or engineering resin and a branched polymer which is a reaction product of reactants comprising one or more monoethylenically unsaturated ester monomers, a chain transfer agent in an amount of 0.1 to 10 weight percent, and a crosslinker in an amount of 0.1 to 10 weight percent of a crosslinker, wherein weight percent is based on total amount of reactants, provided the amount of crosslinker in moles is less than the effective amount of chain transfer agent in moles, and articles thereof.

Polymers including single-stage and multi-stage polymers that combine the properties of the structural integrity of a polymer with a high glass transition temperature (Tg) with a softer, lower molecular weight polymer that coalesces quickly and is flexible to maintain scrubbability are disclosed. The single-stage or an outer stage of the multi-stage polymer contains both a cross-linking monomer and a chain transfer agent at different portions of the stage. Architectural compositions containing these film-forming polymers exhibit anti-blocking properties within one hour from being applied to a substrate.

Polymers including single-stage and multi-stage polymers that combine the properties of the structural integrity of a polymer with a high glass transition temperature (Tg) with a softer, lower molecular weight polymer that coalesces quickly and is flexible to maintain scrubbability are disclosed. The single-stage or an outer stage of the multi-stage polymer contains both a cross-linking monomer and a chain transfer agent at different portions of the stage. Architectural compositions containing these film-forming polymers exhibit anti-blocking properties within one hour from being applied to a substrate.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards method for modifying a polymer flow index. As an example, a method for modifying a polymer flow index can include providing monomers to a polymerization reactor, providing a chromium catalyst to the polymerization reactor, and providing an active amount of a flow index modifier to the polymerization reactor, wherein the flow index modifier is selected from carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, 2,4-hexadiene, and combinations thereof.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards method for modifying a polymer flow index. As an example, a method for modifying a polymer flow index can include providing monomers to a polymerization reactor, providing a chromium catalyst to the polymerization reactor, and providing an active amount of a flow index modifier to the polymerization reactor, wherein the flow index modifier is selected from carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, 2,4-hexadiene, and combinations thereof.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards method for modifying a polymer flow index. As an example, a method for modifying a polymer flow index can include providing monomers to a polymerization reactor, providing a chromium catalyst to the polymerization reactor, and providing an active amount of a flow index modifier to the polymerization reactor, wherein the flow index modifier is selected from carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, 2,4-hexadiene, and combinations thereof.

The present invention provides a preparing method of a polymer which is low-toxic, environmental-friendly, highly controllable, and low cost to obtain a polymer with high molecular weight. The preparing method comprises conducting a controlled radical polymerization process of monomer (Y). In the controlled radical polymerization process, organic compound (A) which has the formula (I) and radical initiator (B) are existing in a mole ratio (B/A) ranged from 0.5 to 25,

##STR00001## wherein R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, aryl group, or hydroxyl group, the alkyl group can be alkyl having substituents or alkyl substituent, and the aryl group can be aryl having substituents or aryl substituent.

The present invention provides a preparing method of a polymer which is low-toxic, environmental-friendly, highly controllable, and low cost to obtain a polymer with high molecular weight. The preparing method comprises conducting a controlled radical polymerization process of monomer (Y). In the controlled radical polymerization process, organic compound (A) which has the formula (I) and radical initiator (B) are existing in a mole ratio (B/A) ranged from 0.5 to 25,

##STR00001## wherein R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, aryl group, or hydroxyl group, the alkyl group can be alkyl having substituents or alkyl substituent, and the aryl group can be aryl having substituents or aryl substituent.