The present invention aims to provide a composition for soft materials, which enables production of a soft material excellent in transparency, a stress relaxation property, and strength and having an elongation property that is not so much lowered even at high temperatures. The present invention also aims to provide a soft material produced using the composition for soft materials of the present invention. The present invention relates to a composition for soft materials including polyrotaxane and a radical polymerizable monomer, the polyrotaxane including a cyclic molecule, a linear molecule threading through a cavity of the cyclic molecule in a skewered manner, and capping groups that cap both ends of the linear molecule, the polyrotaxane having at least one cyclic molecule with a radical polymerizable group, the polyrotaxane having at least two radical polymerizable groups.

Methods of producing a latex, and the resulting latexes, are described herein. Bio-based colloidal particles are used in a free radical polymerization process. The particles may provide one or more of a seed particle, stabilizing agent, Pickering emulsifier, surfactant or co-monomer. Optionally, the particles (or biopolymer molecules such as starch in the particles) are functionalized, for example to provide double bonds or free radicals, prior to or while conducting a free radical polymerization reaction including the particles and a second compound which is a monomer. In another option, the particles are used in the presence of a functionalizing agent (capable for example of providing double bonds or free radicals on a biopolymer) in a free radical polymerization reaction. Optionally, the resulting latex may include particles of a mixed morphology including a bio-based phase. Methods of functionalizing bio-based particles and, in some cases, resultant particles (intermediate reaction products) are also described.

Methods of producing a latex, and the resulting latexes, are described herein. Bio-based colloidal particles are used in a free radical polymerization process. The particles may provide one or more of a seed particle, stabilizing agent, Pickering emulsifier, surfactant or co-monomer. Optionally, the particles (or biopolymer molecules such as starch in the particles) are functionalized, for example to provide double bonds or free radicals, prior to or while conducting a free radical polymerization reaction including the particles and a second compound which is a monomer. In another option, the particles are used in the presence of a functionalizing agent (capable for example of providing double bonds or free radicals on a biopolymer) in a free radical polymerization reaction. Optionally, the resulting latex may include particles of a mixed morphology including a bio-based phase. Methods of functionalizing bio-based particles and, in some cases, resultant particles (intermediate reaction products) are also described.