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Abstract

The present invention relates to an amphiphilic branched copolymer obtainable by an addition polymerisation process, the method of production of same and uses thereof as emulsions wherein said polymer comprises:

at least two chains which are covalently linked by a bridge other than at their ends; and wherein the at least two chains comprise at least one ethylenically monounsaturated monomer, and wherein the bridge comprises at least one ethylenically polyunsaturated monomer; and whereinthe polymer comprises a residue of a chain transfer agent and optionally a residue of an initiator, and whereinat least one of the monounsaturated monomer(s) and polyunsaturated monomer(s) and chain transfer agent(s) is a hydrophilic residue; andat least one of one of the monounsaturated monomer(s) and polyunsaturated monomer(s) and chain transfer agent(s) is a hydrophobic residue, and whereinthe mole ratio of polyunsaturated monomer(s) to monounsaturated monomer(s) is in a range of from 1:100 to 1:4, and whereinat least one of the monounsaturated monomer(s) and polyunsaturated monomer(s) and chain transfer agent(s) comprises a moiety that is capable of responding to an external stimuli thereby creating a physical or chemical change in the solubility of the said moiety; and whereinthe air-water surface tension of the polymer changes from between 35 mN/m to 60 mN/m upon application of the external stimulus.

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First Claim