Surfactants and methods for using in emulsion polymerization reactions and polymer dispersions, and for stabilizing emulsion polymers and polymer dispersions

A method for stabilizing an emulsion polymer or a polymer dispersion, comprising the step of:

• adding, to an emulsion polymer or a polymer dispersion, about 0.3% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of a reaction product, comprising:
• a compound according to general formula (V):
• R1—O—[CH2—CH2O]n—A (V)
• wherein R1 is a saturated or unsaturated, branched C6-22 radical with an average branching of about 2 to about 8 per radical, wherein n represents a value from 0 to about 100, and wherein A is selected from the group consisting of methyl, butyl, and benzyl;
• and
• a compound according to general formula (VI):
• wherein R2 is a saturated or unsaturated C8-16 radical and x and y each represent a value from 0 to 100, wherein the sum of x and y represents a value of at least 1 to 100, and wherein A is selected from the group consisting of methyl, butyl, and benzyl.