Patent ID: 6479593
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: C08F

Abstract:
A process for providing an esterified copolymer useful as an absorbent comprising the steps of:a) providing a copolymer having an esterifiable acid group; b) providing water; c) providing a esterification agent; providing a catalyst, wherein said catalyst is a polyether of the formula wherein X may be selected from the group consisting of: hydroxy and C1-C6 alkoxy, straight chain or branched; and R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, methyl, and ethyl; and n is any integer between 9 and 15,000; e) mixing said copolymer, water, esterification agent, and catalyst to form a mixture; and f) heating said mixture to a temperature sufficient to cause esterification of said esterifiable acid group with said esterification agent.