Arkema Inc.

Daniel E Stark

Wayne Devonport

Lily Liu

Kyu-Jun Kim

Matthew F Boudreaux

Jeffrey P Arendt

Donovan K Lujan

A thermal insulating additive, product formed therefrom, and method of making the same, wherein the thermal insulating additive comprises a plurality of hollow polymeric particles having an average particle size up to about 0.3 micrometers. The hollow polymeric particles exhibit a mechanical strength in a compression test up to about 420 psi and a thermal conductivity that is less than 0.150 W/m-k. The hollow polymeric particles are individually formed as an alkaline swellable core that is at least partially encapsulated with two or more shell layers; the alkaline swellable core prior to swelling exhibits an average particle size that is less than about 50 nanometers.

Hollow polymer particles for thermal insulation

A method of forming latex composite polymer particles produces hydrolysis resistant, composite polymer particles that can be used in aqueous latex compositions. Each of the latex composite polymer particles includes a first phase comprising a vinyl ester oligomer or polymer; optionally, an intermediate phase; and at least one second phase comprising an acrylic oligomer or polymer, a styrene oligomer or polymer, an acrylic-styrene copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The second phase and/or the intermediate phase at least partially encapsulates the first phase. The intermediate and second phases are more hydrophobic than the first phase. Optionally, the first phase, the second phase, and/or the intermediate phase may further comprise a cross-linking agent.

Hydrolysis resistant vinyl ester containing latexes

A latex particle comprises an interior core and an outer shell. The core comprises an acrylic or vinyl polymer, and the shell comprises a water soluble alkyd polymer and at least one surfactant. Substantially all or all of the alkyd polymer is present in the shell of the latex particle and substantially none or none or the alkyd polymer is present in the core of the latex particle. Also described is a process for making the latex particle wherein the water soluble alkyd polymer is present as a co-surfactant during polymerization.

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Raleigh, NC, United States of America

Daniel E Stark