Particles having surface properties and methods of making them

Abstract

Polymer particles comprising a hydrophobic organic matrix and located at the exterior free cationic groups and a further polymer which comprises free hydroxy groups. The particles are produced by an aqueous suspension polymerization process wherein the continuous aqueous phase contains a polymerization stabilizer and a dissolved vinyl addition cationic monomer. The polymerization stabilizer can be any suitable polymer that comprises free hydroxy groups. The process results in polymers of average particle size in the range 50 to 150 microns and reduced levels of undesired polymer emulsion or undersized particles. The particles are particularly useful for absorbing water insoluble active ingredients, such as insecticides, insect repellents, fragrances, pheromones for subsequent slow release. The cationic surface character of said polymer particles makes them especially useful for forming stable dispersions or slurries in active concentrates such as perfume bases or detergent concentrates. Furthermore these dispersions or slurries remain stable and substantially free of agglomerates. The particles containing active ingredient readily associate with fabrics such as cotton, wool and viscose where the active ingredient is released in a controlled fashion over several days.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.