Method for manufacturing of polymers

Abstract

A process for the polymerization of polymers of itaconic acid and vinyl acetate comprising the step of polymerizing (i) from 10 to 95 mole percent of monomer units of the formula I: ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, which may be the same or different, represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or an ethyl group, and M is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl (C.sub.1 to C.sub.18) chain or an organic group such as an amino containing functionality; (ii) from 5 to 90 mole percent of monomer units of the formula II: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom or the group --COCH.sub.3 ; and (iii) from 0 to 45 mole percent of a ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable comonomer, said polymerization being carried out using semi-batch polymerization procedures at a temperature of 60.degree. to 200.degree. C. in the presence of a substantially anhydrous alcoholic solvent.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.