Disclosed are aromatic enol ethers that have utility as film-hardening additives for coating formulations. The aromatic enol ethers have particular utility as film-hardening additives for water-based coating formulations. The aromatic enol ethers provide improvements in hardness and hardness related properties such as block resistance without contributing to the volatile organic content of the composition.

Emulsion polymers and coating compositions made therefrom that exhibit exceptional stain resistance to both hydrophilic and hydrophobic stains. The emulsion polymers include, as polymerized units: a) at least one ethylenically unsaturated nonionic monomer in an amount ranging between about 85 wt. % to less than 100 wt. % based on the overall weight of the polymer composition; b) a first acid monomer in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 2 wt. %, the first monomer being a strong acid monomer selected as a phosphorus-based acid monomer, a sulfur-based acid monomer, or a mixture thereof, and c) a second acid monomer in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 2 wt. %, the second monomer being one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers having at least one carboxyl or carboxylic anhydride functional group. The relative amounts of the first and second acid monomers are such that the ratio of b/c is greater than 0.7.

Emulsion polymers and coating compositions made therefrom that exhibit exceptional stain resistance to both hydrophilic and hydrophobic stains. The emulsion polymers include, as polymerized units: a) at least one ethylenically unsaturated nonionic monomer in an amount ranging between about 85 wt. % to less than 100 wt. % based on the overall weight of the polymer composition; b) a first acid monomer in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 2 wt. %, the first monomer being a strong acid monomer selected as a phosphorus-based acid monomer, a sulfur-based acid monomer, or a mixture thereof, and c) a second acid monomer in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 2 wt. %, the second monomer being one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers having at least one carboxyl or carboxylic anhydride functional group. The relative amounts of the first and second acid monomers are such that the ratio of b/c is greater than 0.7.

The present invention is directed to a coating composition or paint comprising a multistage latex with at least first and second stages, wherein the composition or paint is substantially free of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and capable of film formation even in the absence of coalescent agents. The base paint formulation is capable of being tinted at a point-of-sale (i.e. in-store) using a colorant composition of a type and quantity required to produce a paint of desired color and finish. The paints, show improved block resistance, scrub resistance and tack resistance. Rheological techniques as described herein may be used to determine tack resistance, print resistance, and other performance characteristics.

The present invention is directed to a coating composition or paint comprising a multistage latex with at least first and second stages, wherein the composition or paint is substantially free of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and capable of film formation even in the absence of coalescent agents. The base paint formulation is capable of being tinted at a point-of-sale (i.e. in-store) using a colorant composition of a type and quantity required to produce a paint of desired color and finish. The paints, show improved block resistance, scrub resistance and tack resistance. Rheological techniques as described herein may be used to determine tack resistance, print resistance, and other performance characteristics.

The present invention is directed to a coating composition or paint comprising a multistage latex with at least first and second stages, wherein the composition or paint is substantially free of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and capable of film formation even in the absence of coalescent agents. The base paint formulation is capable of being tinted at a point-of-sale (i.e. in-store) using a colorant composition of a type and quantity required to produce a paint of desired color and finish. The paints, show improved block resistance, scrub resistance and tack resistance. Rheological techniques as described herein may be used to determine tack resistance, print resistance, and other performance characteristics.

The present invention is directed to a coating composition or paint comprising a multistage latex with at least first and second stages, wherein the composition or paint is substantially free of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and capable of film formation even in the absence of coalescent agents. The base paint formulation is capable of being tinted at a point-of-sale (i.e. in-store) using a colorant composition of a type and quantity required to produce a paint of desired color and finish. The paints, show improved block resistance, scrub resistance and tack resistance. Rheological techniques as described herein may be used to determine tack resistance, print resistance, and other performance characteristics.

A method for producing a conductive film having a substrate and a conductive layer disposed on the substrate has a first step of forming a precursor layer on the substrate, the precursor layer including a metal component or its precursor, a water-insoluble polymer X having a cross-linking group, a water-insoluble polymer Y having a reactive group that reacts with the cross-linking group, and a water-soluble polymer Z different from polymer X and polymer Y; a second step of reacting the cross-linking group in the water-insoluble polymer X with the reactive group in the water-insoluble polymer Y; and a third step of forming the conductive layer by removing the water-soluble polymer Z.

A method for producing a conductive film having a substrate and a conductive layer disposed on the substrate has a first step of forming a precursor layer on the substrate, the precursor layer including a metal component or its precursor, a water-insoluble polymer X having a cross-linking group, a water-insoluble polymer Y having a reactive group that reacts with the cross-linking group, and a water-soluble polymer Z different from polymer X and polymer Y; a second step of reacting the cross-linking group in the water-insoluble polymer X with the reactive group in the water-insoluble polymer Y; and a third step of forming the conductive layer by removing the water-soluble polymer Z.

The present invention is directed to a coating composition or paint comprising a multistage latex with at least first and second stages, wherein the composition or paint is substantially free of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and capable of film formation even in the absence of coalescent agents. The base paint formulation is capable of being tinted at a point-of-sale (i.e. in-store) using a colorant composition of a type and quantity required to produce a paint of desired color and finish. The paints, show improved block resistance, scrub resistance and tack resistance. Rheological techniques as described herein may be used to determine tack resistance, print resistance, and other performance characteristics.