This invention relates to a process for preparing an aqueous dispersion of
water insoluble polymer particles comprising: a) preparing by
polymerisation an aqueous dispersion of water insoluble particles of a
heteropolymer including monomeric units of a reactive amphiphile having a
cloud point and monomeric units of a hydrophilic monomer, said
polymerisation being conducted in the presence of a stabilising agent and
the reactive amphiphile and at a temperature above the cloud point of said
amphiphile, and b) cooling said aqueous dispersion to a temperature below
the cloud point of the reactive amphiphile such that the viscosity of the
aqueous dispersion increases. The invention also relates to aqueous
dispersions of water insoluble heteropolymer particles which incorporate
units of reactive amphiphile.
