Patent ID: 6646068
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: C08F

Abstract:
A method for preparing a branched copolymer, which comprises,(i) mixing together a monofunctional monomer having one polymerizable double bond per molecule with from 0.5-50% w/w (of the weight of the monfunctional monomer) of a polyfunctional monomer having at least two polymerizable double bonds per molecule and from 0.001-50% w/w (of the weight of the monofunctional monomer) of a chain transfer agent; (ii) dispersing the resulting mixture as a discontinuous phase in a continuous phase in which the monomers are relatively insoluble in the presence of a dispersing agent which is capable of maintaining the mixture of monomers as a discontinuous phase in the continuous phase; (iii) initiating polymerization of the monomer mixture; (iv) maintaining the dispersion of monomer in continuous phase at reaction temperature for sufficient time to enable the monomers to react to form a polymer; and (v) subsequently separating the dispersed phase containing the polymer from the continuous phase.