HIGH TEMPERATURE POLYMERIZATION PROCESS FOR MAKING BRANCHED ACRYLIC POLYMERS, CAPROLACTONE-MODIFIED BRANCHED ACRYLIC POLYMERS, AND USES THEREOF

摘要

The present invention is directed to preparation of branched acrylic polymers, and caprolactone-modified branched acrylic polymers, in a high temperature free-radical acrylic polymerization process. The polymerization is conducted at or above 130° C to produce polymers having a high degree of branching. The polymers so prepared can be used as binder resin and/or rheology control agent in high solids coating compositions, especially coating compositions useful for finishing automobiles and truck exteriors.