WO2019125455A1 - Coating compositions containing lactam-functionalized polymer - Google Patents

Abstract

An aqueous coating composition comprising at least 0.5 wt% of a lactam-functionalized polymer is disclosed. The lactam-functionalized polymer includes lactam-functionalized polyacetal polyether, polyhemiaminal polyether or polyaminal polyether. The aqueous coating composition can increase an open time of a water-borne latex paint. A method of increasing an open time for an aqueous coating composition of a water-borne latex paint using the lactam- functionalized polymer is also disclosed.

Description

COATING COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING LACTAM-FUNCTIONALIZED

POLYMER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Disclosed and Claimed Inventive Concepts

[0001] The presently disclosed process(es), procedure(s), method(s), product(s), result(s), and/or concept(s) (collectively referred to hereinafter as the“present disclosure”) relates generally to an aqueous coating composition comprising at least 0.5 wt% of a lactam- functionalized polymer comprising a polymer backbone and at least one lactam moiety attached to the polymer backbone. The aqueous coating composition can increase an open time of a water-borne latex paint. In particular, the polymer backbone can be polyacetal polyether, polyhemiaminal polyether, or polyaminal polyether. Additionally, the present disclosure also relates generally to a method of increasing an open time for an aqueous coating composition of a water-borne latex paint using the lactam-functionalized polymer.

2. Background and Applicable Aspects of the Presently Disclosed and Claimed Inventive

Concept(s)

[0002] Open time is a property of a paint that is of high importance to the painter. It is defined as the maximum time the paint can be re-worked prior to demonstrating permanently the deformations brought to the paint, such as brush-marks, etc. Water-borne latex paints are known to suffer from a rather short open time in comparison to solvent borne paints. The origin of this difference lies in the fact that the binder in water borne paints is not soluble in the continuous phase (water).

[0003] One of the traditional methods to increase open time of paint is to add co- solvents and coalescing agents. Alkylene glycols are typically used as open time additives to improve the open time of paints by slowing down the rate of evaporation and preventing coalescence of latex particles that can be measured by diffusion wave spectroscopy (DWS). Although alkylene glycols can extend open time, they also contribute to volatile organic compound (VOC).

Another disadvantage of the addition of solvents is the lowering of block resistance, and dirt pick-up can become a problem. Removing the solvent, particularly in high volume solids formations with low water content creates challenges for paints. The demand for low to zero VOC in paints requires other solutions for extending open time than the addition of co-solvents but maintaining paint rheology such as viscosities.

[0004] Nonionic synthetic associative thickeners (NSAT) has been developed and used to improve the rheology of a paint at various shear levels. These thickeners include

hydrophobically-modified water-soluble polymers. They undergo intermolecular association in aqueous solution and thereby exhibit enhanced solution viscosity. They can also adsorb onto the dispersed-phase particles of an aqueous dispersion and thereby form a three-dimensional network. Typically, about 0.25 wt% to about 0.50 wt% of the active NSAT are used to significantly improve the paint rheology.

[0005] It has been found that coating compositions containing at least 0.5 wt% of a lactam- functionalized polymer comprising a polymer backbone and at least one lactam moiety attached to the polymer backbone can increase an open time of an aqueous coating composition while keep the desired rheology properties of the coating composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components or steps or methodologies set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in numerous ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0007] Unless otherwise defined herein, technical terms used in connection with the present disclosure shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

[0008] All patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. All patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications referenced in any portion of this application are herein expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual patent or publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0009] Ah of the articles and/or methods disclosed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the articles and methods of the present disclosure have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations may be applied to the articles and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method(s) described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Ah such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the present disclosure.

[0010] As utilized in accordance with the present disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shah be understood to have the following meanings.

[0011] The use of the word“a” or“an” when used in conjunction with the term

“comprising” may mean“one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of“one or more,”“at least one,” and“one or more than one.” The use of the term“or” is used to mean“and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only if the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and“and/or.” Throughout this application, the term“about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the quantifying device, the method(s) being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects. For example, but not by way of limitation, when the term“about” is utilized, the designated value may vary by plus or minus twelve percent, or eleven percent, or ten percent, or nine percent, or eight percent, or seven percent, or six percent, or five percent, or four percent, or three percent, or two percent, or one percent. The use of the term“at least one” will be understood to include one as well as any quantity more than one, including but not limited to, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, etc. The term“at least one” may extend up to 100 or 1000 or more depending on the term to which it is attached. In addition, the quantities of 100/1000 are not to be considered limiting as lower or higher limits may also produce satisfactory results. In addition, the use of the term“at least one of X, Y, and Z” will be understood to include X alone, Y alone, and Z alone, as well as any combination of X, Y, and Z. The use of ordinal number terminology (i.e.,“first”,“second”, “third”,“fourth”, etc.) is solely for the purpose of differentiating between two or more items and, unless otherwise stated, is not meant to imply any sequence or order or importance to one item over another or any order of addition.

[0012] As used herein, the words“comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and“comprises”),“having” (and any form of having, such as“have” and“has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as“includes” and“include”) or“containing” (and any form of containing, such as“contains” and“contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. The terms“or combinations thereof’ and“and/or combinations thereof’ as used herein refer to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example,“A, B, C, or combinations thereof’ is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC and, if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more items or terms, such as BB, AAA, AAB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CAB ABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any

combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

[0013] For purposes of the following detailed description, other than in any operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, numbers that express, for example, quantities of ingredients used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". The numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties to be obtained in carrying out the invention.

[0014] The term“alkyl” refers to a saturated linear or branched hydrocarbon group of 1 to 50 carbons.

[0015] The term“alkylene” as used herein refers to an unsaturated, linear or branched hydrocarbon group of 1 to 50 carbon atoms with one or more carbon-carbon double bonds.

[0016] The term“aryl” refers to a mono- or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon group including carbocyclic and heterocyclic aromatic groups. [0017] The term“monomer” refers to a small molecule that chemically bonds during polymerization to one or more monomers of the same or different kind to form a polymer.

[0018] The term“polymer” refers to a large molecule comprising one or more types of monomer residues (repeating units) connected by covalent chemical bonds. By this definition, polymer encompasses compounds wherein the number of monomer units may range from very few, which more commonly may be called as oligomers, to very many. Non-limiting examples of polymers include homopolymers, and non-homopolymers such as copolymers, terpolymers, tetrapolymers and the higher analogues.

[0019] The term“heteroatom” refers to oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, silicon, phosphorous, or halogen. The heteroatom(s) may be present as a part of one or more hetero atom-containing functional groups. Non-limiting examples of heteroatom-containing functional groups include ether, hydroxyl, epoxy, carbonyl, carboxamide, carboxylic ester, carboxylic acid, imine, imide, amine, sulfonic, sulfonamide, phosphonic, and silane groups. The heteroatom(s) may also be present as a part of a ring such as in heteroaryl and heteroarylene groups.

[0020] The term“moiety” refers to a part or a functional group of a molecule.

[0021] The term“acetal” refers to a functional group having two hydroxyl and/or oxyalkyl groups attached to the same carbon.

[0022] The term“aminal” refers to a functional group having two amino and/or aminoalkyl groups attached to the same carbon.

[0023] The term“hemiaminal” refers to a functional group having one hydroxyl/oxy alkyl group and one amino/aminoalkyl group.

[0024] The term "open time" refers to the length of time a coating remains wet enough to allow for brushing in at the laps, synonymous to wet edge time.

[0025] The term "wet edge" refers to the edge of a wet painted area which remains workable.

[0026] As used herein,“KU” refers to Krebs unit and is a measure of the mid-shear viscosity as measured by a Kreb-Stormer viscometer.

[0027] All percentages, ratio, and proportions used herein are based on a weight basis unless other specified.

[0028] The present disclosure is directed to an aqueous coating composition comprising at least 0.5 wt% of a lactam-functionalized polymer comprising a polymer backbone and at least one lactam-containing moiety attached to the polymer backbone. The polymer backbone can be selected from the group consisting of polyacetal polyether, polyhemiaminal polyether, polyaminal polyether, and combinations thereof.

[0029] The at least one lactam-containing moiety can be attached to at least one end of the polymer backbone or pendant on the polymer backbone. The end(s) of the lactam-containing moieties can be in bunches. The pendant lactam-containing moiety may hang down from the polymer backbone in a uniform pattern, a random pattern or in bunches. The number of the at least one lactam-containing moiety in the lactam-functionalized polymer can be varied from 1 to 500, or from 1 to 200, or from 1 to 100, or from 1 to 50.

[0030] The lactam-containing moiety herein refers to a molecule containing a cyclic amide. The lactam-containing moiety can be represented by a general formula (I):

where R is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon diradical optionally having at least one heteroatom and is attached to a carbon or nitrogen atom on the lactam ring, and b is from 1 to 5.

[0031] In one non-limiting embodiment, R can be selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkylene, arylalkenyl, cyclic, cycloaliphatic and polycyclic, optionally having at least one heteroatom. In another non-limiting embodiment, R can be an alkylene having 1 to 50 carbon atoms or 1 to 30 carbon atoms or 1 to 15 carbon atoms, optionally having at least one heteroatom.

[0032] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one lactam-containing moiety can have one or both of the following general formulas:

Formula (II):

Formula (III):

where L is a direct bond, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene optionally having at least one heteroatom; A is hydrogen, OX_nH, SX_nH, or NR₄X_nH; R1-R4 are identical or different and are each independently hydrogen, linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 30 carbons, or saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon rings having 3 to 10 carbons, optionally having at least one heteroatom; X is the lactam-containing moiety of Formula (II) or (III); n is from 0 to 500 or from 0 to 200 or from 0 to 100 or from 0 to 50; and b is from 1 to 5.

[0033] The lactam-containing moiety of the present disclosure can also be represented by a general formula (IV):

wherein R' and R" are identical or different and are each independently hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon diradical optionally having at least one heteroatom, and R" is attached to a carbon atom on the lactam ring, and b is from 1 to 5 with the proviso that R' or R" or both R' and R" are a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon diradical optionally having at least one heteroatom.

[0034] In one non-limiting embodiment, R' and R" are identical or different and are each independently selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkylene, arylalkenyl, cyclic, cycloaliphatic and polycyclic, optionally having at least one heteroatom. In another non-limiting embodiment, R' and R" are identical or different and are each independently an alkylene having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, optionally having at least one heteroatom.

[0035] In another non-limiting embodiment, R' and R" are identical or different and are each

I I I I

independently hydrogen, ^

, or R₂ Ri ·

wherein L is attached to the lactam ring, and is a direct bond, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene optionally having at least one heteroatom; A is hydrogen, OX_nH, SX_nH, or NR₄X_nH; R1-R4 are identical or different and are each independently hydrogen, linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 30 carbons, or saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon rings having 3 to 10 carbons, optionally having at least one heteroatom; X is the lactam-containing moiety of Formula (IV); n is from 0 to 500; and b is from 1 to 5 with the proviso that R¹ or R" or both R¹ and R" are a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon diradical optionally having at least one heteroatom.

[0036] The lactam-containing moiety can comprise a general lactam structure including b- lactam, g-lactam, d-lactam and e-lactam. In one non-limiting embodiment, the lactam-containing moiety can comprise a lactam structure including b-propiolactam, g-butyrolactam, d- valerolactam and e-caprolactam.

[0037] The lactam- functionalized polymer described herein above can further comprise at least one hydrophobic moiety to form a hydrophobically modified lactam-functionalized polymer. The at least one hydrophobic moiety can be attached to at least one end of the lactam- functionalized polymer or pendant on the lactam-functionalized polymer. The end(s) of the hydrophobic moieties can be in bunches. The pendant hydrophobic moiety may hang down from the lactam- functionalized polymer in a uniform pattern, a random pattern or in bunches.

[0038] The present disclosure is also directed to a lactam-functionalized and hydrophobically modified polymer comprising a polymer backbone, and at least one lactam-containing moiety and at least one hydrophobic moiety that are attached to the polymer backbone. The polymer backbone can be selected from the group consisting of polyacetal polyether, polyhemiaminal polyether, polyaminal polyether, and combinations thereof. The at least one lactam-containing moiety and the at least one hydrophobic moiety can be attached to the ends of the polymer backbone or pendant on the polymer backbone. The end-attached lactam-containing moieties and hydrophobic moieties can be in a uniform pattern, a random pattern or in bunches. The pendant lactam-containing moiety and hydrophobic moiety may hang down from the polymer backbone in a uniform pattern, a random pattern or in bunches. The number of the at least one hydrophobic moiety in the lactam-functionalized polymer can be varied from 1 to 500, or from 1 to 200, or from 1 to 100, or from 1 to 50.

[0039] The lactam-containing moiety is the same as those described previously. The hydrophobic moiety can be selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, cyclic, cycloaliphatic, and polycyclic, optionally having at least one heteroatom.

[0040] In one non-limiting embodiment, the hydrophobic moiety can be a functionalized or unfunctionalized C1-C40 alkyl optionally having one or more heteroatoms. In another non limiting embodiment, the hydrophobic group is a functionalized or unfunctionalized C4-C30 alkyl optionally having one or more heteroatoms. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the hydrophobic group is a functionalized or unfunctionalized C6-C20 alkyl optionally having one or more heteroatoms.

[0041] Non-limiting examples of hydrophobic groups can include «-butyl, isobutyl, tert- butyl, «-pentyl, isopentyl, «-hexyl, «-heptyl, «-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, /_{<? /7}-octyl, .so-norbornyl, «- nonyl, «-decyl, «-undecyl, «-dodecyl, ie/ -dodecyl, «-tridecyl, «-tetradecyl, «-pentadecyl, «- hexadecyl, «-heptadecyl, «-octadecyl, and «-eicosyl, lauryl, stearyl, 2-butyl- 1 -octyl, phenyl, cresyl, napththyl, halogenated hydrocarbons, a primary amino, a secondary amino, a tertiary amino, a quaternary amino, and a tertiary phosphino.

[0042] The lactam- functionalized polymers according to the present disclosure can have a weight average molecular weight ranging from about 1,000 Da to 10,000,000 Da. In one non limiting embodiment, the lactam-functionalized polymers can have a weight average molecular weight ranging from about 5000 Da to 5,000,000 Da. In another non-limiting embodiment, the lactam-functionalized polymers can have a weight average molecular weight ranging from about 10,000 Da to 1,000,000 Da.

[0043] The present disclosure is directed to a method for preparing a lactam- functionalized polymer comprising: 1) reacting a hydroxyl polyether or hydroxyl polyetheramine with a gem- dihalide to form a polymer backbone; and 2) reacting the polymer backbone with at least one compound comprising at least one lactam moiety to form the lactam- functionalized polymer. The at least one compound comprising the at least one lactam moiety can further comprise at least one reactive functional group.

[0044] In one non-limiting embodiment, the at least one compound comprising at least one lactam moiety and at least one reactive functional group can have a general formula (V):

where Y is Cl, Br, I, F, OH, SH, or NR₇Rs; Rs and R₆ are identical or different and are each independently hydrogen, Cl, Br, I, F, OH, SH, NR₇Rs_, linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 30 carbons, or saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon rings having 3 to 10 carbons, optionally having at least one heteroatom; R₇ and Rs are identical or different and are each independently hydrogen, linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 30 carbons, or saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon rings having 3 to 10 carbons, optionally having at least one heteroatom; a is from 1 to 20 or from 1 to 8; and b is from 1 to 5.

[0045] In another non-limiting embodiment, the at least one compound comprising at least one lactam moiety and at least one reactive functional group can have a general formula (VI):

wherein W and W' are identical or different and are each independently hydrogen or

where Y is Cl, Br, I, F, OH, SH, or NR₇Rs; Rs and R₆ are identical or different and are each independently hydrogen, Cl, Br, I, F, OH, SH, NR₇Rs, linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 30 carbons, or saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon rings having 3 to 10 carbons, optionally having at least one heteroatom; R₇ and Rs are identical or different and are each independently hydrogen, linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 30 carbons, or saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon rings having 3 to 10 carbons, optionally having at least one heteroatom; a is from 1 to 20 or from 1 to 8; and b is from 1 to 5 with the proviso that W or W' or both W and W’ are a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon diradical optionally having at least one heteroatom.

[0046] In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the at least one compound comprising at least one lactam moiety and at least one reactive functional group can have a general formula (VII):

where Y is O, S, or NR₇; Z is O, S, or NR₇; Rs and R₆ are identical or different and are each independently hydrogen, Cl, Br, I, F, OH, SH, NR₇Rs_, linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 30 carbons, or saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon rings having 3 to 10 carbons, optionally having at least one heteroatom; R₇ and Rs are identical or different and are each independently hydrogen, linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 30 carbons, or saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon rings having 3 to 10 carbons, optionally having at least one heteroatom; a is from 1 to 20 or from 1 to 8; and b is from 1 to 5.

[0047] In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the at least one compound comprising at least one lactam moiety and at least one reactive functional group can have a general formula (VIII):

wherein V and V' are identical or different and are each independently hydrogen or

, wherein Y is O, S, or NR₇; Z is O, S, or NR₇; Rs and R₆ are identical or different and are each independently hydrogen, Cl, Br, I, F, OH, SH, NR₇Rs, linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 30 carbons, or saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon rings having 3 to 10 carbons, optionally having at least one heteroatom; R₇ and Rs are identical or different and are each independently hydrogen, linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 30 carbons, or saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon rings having 3 to 10 carbons, optionally having at least one heteroatom; a is from 1 to 20 or from 1 to 8; and b is from 1 to 5 with the proviso that V or V' or both V and V' are a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon diradical optionally having at least one heteroatom.

[0048] The method described herein above can further comprise 3) reacting the lactam- functionalized polymer with at least one compound comprising at least one hydrophobic moiety.

[0049] In one aspect, a method for preparing the lactam-functionalized polymers can comprise: 1) reacting a hydroxyl polyether or hydroxyl polyetheramine with a gem-dihalide to form a polymer backbone; 2) reacting the polymer backbone with at least one compound comprising at least one hydrophobic moiety to form a hydrophobically modified polymer; and 3) reacting the hydrophobically modified polymer with at least one compound comprising at least one lactam moiety. The at least one compound comprising the at least one lactam moiety can further comprise at least one reactive functional group.

[0050] In another aspect, a method for preparing the lactam- functionalized polymers can comprise: 1) reacting a hydroxyl polyether or hydroxyl polyetheramine with a gem-dihalide to form a polymer backbone; and 2) reacting the polymer backbone with at least one compound comprising at least one hydrophobic moiety and at least one compound comprising at least one lactam moiety. The at least one compound comprising the at least one lactam moiety can further comprise at least one reactive functional group.

[0051] The at least one compound comprising the at least one lactam moiety can further comprise at least one reactive functional group is the same as those described previously.

[0052] In one non-limiting embodiment, the compound comprising at least one lactam moiety and at least one reactive functional group can be selected from the group consisting of 1- chloro-2-pyrrolidinone, l-bromo-2-pyrrolidinone, l-amino-2-pyrrolidinone, l-hydroxy-2- pyrrolidinone, l-(hydroxymethyl)-2-pyrrolidinone, 2-oxo-l-pyrrolidinecarboxaldehyde, 1- (chloromethyl)-2-pyrrolidinone, 1 -(bromomethyl)-2-pyrrolidinone, 1 -(aminomethyl)-2- pyrrolidinone, l-(2-aminoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinone, l-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidinone, l-(2- chloroethyl)-2-pyrrolidinone, 1 -(2-bromoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinone, 1 -(3-aminopropyl)-2- pyrrolidinone, l-(3-hydroxypropyl)-2-pyrrolidinone, l-(3-chloropropyl)-2-pyrrolidinone, l-(3- bromopropyl)-2-pyrrolidinone, l-(3-fluoropropyl)-2-pyrrolidinone, l-(2-propyn- l-yl)-2- pyrrolidinone, 2-oxo-l-pyrrolidineacetic acid, l-ethenyl-2-pyrrolidinone, 2-oxo-l- pyrrolidinonecabonitrile, l-(2-propn-l-yl)-2-pyrrolidinone, and combinations thereof. Further useful examples of compounds comprising at least one lactam moiety may be found in U.S. Pat Nos. 2,775,599; 3,136,766; 4,801,400; 4,842,858; 5,352,251; 5,458,660; 5,507,843; and

6,261,327, each publication of which is herein incorporated in its entirety by reference.

[0053] In another non-limiting embodiment, the compound comprising at least one lactam moiety and at least one reactive functional group can be a compound comprising at least one lactam moiety and at least on cyclic ether moiety. Non-limiting examples of the compounds comprising at least one lactam moiety and at least one cyclic ether moiety can include, but are not limited to /V-(2,3-epoxypropyl)pyrrolidinone, /V-(3,4-epoxybutyl)pyrrolidinone, N-( 4,5- epoxypentyl)pyrrolidinone, /V-ethylpyrrolidone glycidyl ether, and the like.

[0054] The compounds comprising at least one hydrophobic moiety can be represented by the following general chemical formula:

Y— R— X

wherein R is a hydrocarbon, and X is a hydrogen or a reactive functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, epoxide, glycidyl ether, amino, sulfhydryl, and combinations thereof. Y is a reactive functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, epoxide, glycidyl ether, amino, sulfhydryl, and combinations thereof. The hydrocarbon can be selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, cyclic, cycloaliphatic, and polycyclic, optionally having at least one heteroatom.

[0055] In one non-limiting embodiment, the compound comprising at least one hydrophobic moiety can be selected from the group consisting of glycidyl ethers such as ethyl glycidyl ether, butyl glycidyl ether, pentyl glycidyl ether, hexyl glycidyl ether, heptyl glycidyl ether, octyl glycidyl ether, 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, norbornyl glycidyl ether, nonyl glycidyl ether, decyl glycidyl ether, undecyl glycidyl ether, dodecyl glycidyl ether, tridecyl glycidyl ether, tetradecyl glycidyl ether, pendecyl glycidyl ether, hexadecyl glycidyl ether, heptadecyl glycidyl ether, octadecyl glycidyl ether, eicoyl glycidyl ether, lauryl glycidyl ether, stearyl glycidyl ether, 2- butyl-l -octyl glycidyl ether, phenyl glycidyl ether, naphthyl glycidyl ether, cresyl glycidyl ether; halogenated hydrocarbons such as l-bromobutane, l-bromopentane, l-bromohexane, 1- bromoheptane, l-bromooctane, l-bromononane, l-bromodecane, l-bromoundecane, 1- bromododecane, l-bromotridecane, l-bromotetradecane, l-bromopentadecane, 1- bromohexadecane, l-l-bromoheptadecane, l-bromooctadecane, primary amines, secondary amines, tertiary amines, quaternary amines, tertiary phosphines and combinations thereof.

[0056] Non-limiting examples of compounds comprising at least one hydrophobic moiety can include ethoxylated nonylphenols such as IGEPAL^® CO 890; ethoxylated tallow amines such as Rhodameen^® series of compounds; and ethoxylated fatty tertiary amines such as Rhodameen® T-50 and Rhodameen® T-12/90, which are all commercially available from Solvay. More examples can include, but are not limited to, bisphenol-A polyethoxylates available from PPG Industries; DL-3-octadecyloxy-l, 2-propanediol; 1 -phenyl- 1, 2-ethane diol; 1H, 1H, 2H, 3H,3H-pentafluoroundecane-l,2-diol; l,3-dioxane-5, 5-dimethanol; 3-fluorobenzal bromide;(dichloromethyl)dimethyl-n-propylsilane; l-hexadecylamine; 4-fluorobenzene boronic acid; and the like.

[0057] The hydroxyl polyether or hydroxyl polyetheramine comprises at least one hydroxyl group. The hydroxyl polyetheramine comprises at least one amino group.

[0058] The hydroxyl polyether can be dihydroxyl polyether. In one non-limiting

embodiment, the dihydroxyl polyether can be a polyalkylene glycol bearing terminal hydroxyl groups. In another non-limiting embodiment, the dihydroxyl polyether can be a polyethylene glycol (PEG). Non-limiting examples of the PEGs may be found in the ACS Symposium Book titled‘Poly (ethylene glycol) Chemistry and Biological Applications’, Editors: J. Milton Harris and Samuel Zalipsky, Volume 680, 1997, the publication of which is herein incorporated in its entirety by reference. PEGs, ranging in weight average molecular weight from about 100 to about 20,000 Daltons, can be obtained from several commercial sources. For example, various grades of low weight average molecular weight polyethylene glycols (molecular weight range of 4,000-8000 Daltons) are commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company under the trademark of Carbowax. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the alpha, omega-dihydroxy polyether is a poly(ethylene oxide) polymer. Various grades of poly(ethylene oxide) polymers are commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company under the trademark of Polyox.

[0059] In one non-limiting embodiment, the polyetheramine can be represented by the following general chemical formula: H₂N— A— ( OA-j— NH₂

X

wherein x is an integer ranging from 2 to 100 and each A is independently selected from the C₂- Cs alkylene moieties. Non-limiting examples of polyetheramines can include .Teffamine^® diamines of the E, ED, and EDR series that are commercially available from the Huntsman Corp.

[0060] Generally, any gem-dihalide may be used in the process for preparing the polyacetal polyether, polyhemiaminal polyether or polyaminal polyether. Non-limiting examples of gem- dihalides can include dibromomethane, dichloromethane, l,l-dichlorotoluene (C₆H₅CHCI₂), 1,1- dichloroethane (CH₃CHCI₂), and l,l-dibromoethane (CH₃CHBr₂).

[0061] In one non-limiting embodiment, a lactam-functionalized polyacetal polyether (PAPE) can be prepared as follows. An alkalized PAPE is produced by reacting a dihydroxyl polyether, such as a polyethylene glycol (PEG), with a gem-dihalide, such as dibromomethane. The alkalized PAPE is then reacted with a compound comprising at least one lactam moiety and at least one cyclic ether moiety, such as /V-[2-(2-oxiranylmcthoxy)cthyl] -2-pyrrol idonc (EPGE). Scheme 1 shows the schematic diagram for the preparation of the lactam-functionalized PAPE (EPGE PAPE).

Scheme 1: EPGE PAPE Synthesis

PEG + Dibromomethane

Alkalized PAPE

iV-ethylpyrrolidone glycidyl ether (EPGE)

H--0-CH-CH,- (o CH₂ CH₂ -0-CH₂-0- -(CH₂ CH₂O)— -CH₂-CH-O -H

I I

EPGE PAPE polymer

where n and n’=l to 500, r₂ and r₂’=l-500, r₃ and r₃’=l to 500, r₄=0 to 500, and r₅=0 to 500, with the proviso that at least one of r₄ and r₅ is non-zero.

[0062] The EPGE PAPE shown as above results from the predominant addition reaction at the less hindered face of the epoxide moiety on EPGE, resulting in one or more lactam- functional alkylene moieties A on the polymer backbone as shown in Scheme 2. The epoxide ring opening can also occur by addition reaction at the more hindered face of the epoxide moiety. In such a case, the resulting polymer backbone may comprise one or more lactam- functional alkylene moieties B as shown in Scheme 2. Scheme 2: Addition Reactions across Epoxide

Reactant-OH

Lactam-functional alkylene Lactam-functional alkylene

moiety B moiety A

[0063] In general, the description of reactions across two faces of an epoxide moiety may be extended to the reaction of any compound comprising at least one epoxide moiety, such as the epoxy-containing compounds listed in this specification, and any nucleophile, such as polyacetal poly ethers.

[0064] A solvent can be used for the synthesis of the polymers according to the present disclosure. Any solvent without active hydrogens may be used. In one non-limiting

embodiment, oxygenated hydrocarbon solvents bearing 2 to 30 carbons can be used. Non limiting examples of solvents can include toluene, xylene, aliphatic hydrocarbons, dialkyl ethers of alkylene glycols and diethoxymethane.

[0065] Any strong bases capable of reacting with the terminal active hydrogens of the polyacetal polyether, polyhemiaminal polyether or polyaminal-polyether to form the

corresponding dianion, can be used in the process of making the lactam-functionalized polymer. Non-limiting examples of bases can include alkali metal hydrides, alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal carbonates, and organic bases. [0066] The aqueous coating composition of the present disclosure can increase the open ti e by delaying the film formation of binder particles or film-forming polymers in the paint. The amounts of the active lactam-functionalized polymers can be varied from about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%, or from about 0.5 wt% to about 3 wt%, or from about 0.5 wt% to about 2 wt%, or from 1 wt% to about 3 wt%, or from about 1 wt% to about 2 wt% of the aqueous coating composition.

[0067] The aqueous coating composition may further comprise at least one additive selected from the group consisting of solvents/cosolvents, secondary rheology modifiers, thixotropic agents, binders, crosslinkers, pH adjustment agents, pigments/fillers, flow-control agents, gloss- control agents, coalescent agents, flexibilizing resins, surfactants, waxes, wetting agents, dispersing agents, plasticizers, anti-oxidants, UV radiation absorbers, biocides, extenders, colorants, adhesion promoters, defoaming agents/defoamers, driers, matting agents, and combinations thereof.

[0068] Examples of the pigments/fillers can include, but are not limited to, calcium carbonate, mica, barium sulphate, lithopones, zinc oxide, zinc sulphide, titanium dioxide

(anatase, rutile), chalk, precipitated calcium carbonate, calcite, dolomites, silicon dioxide, silicic acids, silica flour, pyrogenic silicic acids, precipitated silicic acids, silicates, talc, kaolin, barium sulfates, magnesium silicates, lead, lead oxides, barytes, blanc fixe, sand and glass beads. Special pigments/fillers can include graphene, graphite, carbon nanotubes, carbon, copper, silver, nanosilver, titanium nanotubes, specially decorated inorganic particles and structures, and the like.

[0069] Non-limiting examples of the cosolvents can include aromatic hydrocarbon solvents such as benzene, toluene and xylene, ethyl benzene, isopropyl benzene, alcohols (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol mono butyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, hexanol, octanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, n-butanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone), diacetone alcohol, dimethyl formamide, n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, butyrolactone, ethyl acetate, butyl propionate, water, and the like.

[0070] Non-limiting examples of the binders can include latex emulsion polymers, which are the polymerization products of one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers. Examples of ethylenically unsaturated monomers can include, but are not limited to, acrylic acid, acrylonitrile, acetoacetoxy ethyl methacrylate, acetoacetoxy ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, butadiene, butyl methacrylate, butyl acrylamide, chloromethyl styrene, crotonic acid, ethyl acrylate, ethyl acrylamide, ethylene, ethyl methacrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, isoprene, iso-octyl acrylate, iso-octyl methacrylate itaconic acid, methyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, octyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid, , a-methyl styrene, styrene, vinyl chloride vinyl naphthalene, vinyl toluene, vinylidene chloride, vinyl acetate, and the like.

[0071] Other binders used in the present disclosure can include, but are not limited to alkyd resins, polyurethane resins, epoxy resins, and the like. Alkyd resins are generally comprised of polybasic acids, polyhydric alcohols, and fatty acids which may be unsaturated. The polybasic acids such as aromatic, aliphatic and alicyclic saturated and unsaturated compounds, such as adipic acid, chlorendic acid, heptanedioic acid, isophthalic acid, maleic acid, napthalic acid, phthalic acid, sebacic acid, succinic acid, trimellitic acid, terephthalic acid, and

tetrahydrophthalic acid. Polyhydric alcohol components include 1, 3-butylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipentaerythritol, dipropylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerin, l,6-hexanediol, neopentyl glycol, pentaerythritol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, trimethylol ethane, trimethylol propane and triethylene glycol. Fatty acids used in the manufacture of alkyds commonly include dehydrated castor oil, coconut oil, cottonseed oil, fish oil, linseed oil, oiticica oil, tung oil, safflower oil, soya oil, tall oil acids, and the like.

[0072] Polyurethane resins are formed from polyisocyanate (aliphatic, aromatic, or combinations thereof) compounds. Examples of aliphatic isocyanates include butane

diisocyanate, 4,4'-diisocyanatodicyclohexylmethane, hexamethylene diisocyanate,

hexahydroxylylene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, 1 -methyl-2, 4(2, 6)-diisocyanato cyclohexane, norbomane diisocyanate, and tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate. Examples of aliphatic and aromatic isocyanates include 4,4'-biphenylene diisocyanate, 4-chloro-l,3- phenylene diisocyanate, 1, 4-cyclohexylene diisocyanate, l,lO-deca-ethylene diisocyanate, methylene bis-(4-phenyl isocyanate), 4,4- methylene-bis(cyclohexyl isocyanate), 1 ,5- naphthalene diisocyanate, l,3-phenylene diisocyanate, 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate, 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate, l,4-tetramethylene diisocyanate, 1, 5 -tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, and the like.

[0073] In addition to isocyanates, alcohols and carboxylic acids, which form polyester compositions, can also be used in the preparation of polyurethane resins. The polycarboxylic acids may be of an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic and/or heterocyclic nature and may comprise halogen atoms and/or unsaturated moieties. Suitable acids include adipic acid, azeleic acid, bis-glycol terephthalate, dimeric fatty acids, dimethyl terephthalate,

endomethylenetetrahydrophthalic anhydride, fumaric acid, glutaric anhydride,

hexahydrophthalic anhydride, isophthalic acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, phthalic acid, suberic acid, succinic acid, sebacic acid, tetrahydrophthalic anhydride and tetrachlorophthalic anhydride.

[0074] Polyhydric alcohols examples include 1,4-, 1,3- and 2,3-butylene glycol,

cyclohexanedimethanol (l,4-bis-hydroxymethylcyclohexane), diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, dibutylene glycol, ethylene glycol, 1,2- and 1, 3-propylene glycol, l,6-hexanediol, 2- methyl-l, 3-propanediol, neopentylglycol, l,8-octanediol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol, triethylene glycol and tetraethylene glycol. Polyesters comprising carboxyl groups and terminal carboxyl groups are envisioned. Diols comprising carboxyl or carboxylate groups which are suitable to support ionic or potentially ionic groups are envisioned. Such moieties can be constructed by dihydroxysuccinic acid, dimethylolacetic acid, 2,2- dimethylolpropionic acid, 2,2-dimethylolbutyric acid and 2,2-dimethylolpentanoic acid.

Polyesters constructed from lactones are also envisioned. Polycarbonates comprising hydroxyl groups are useful and are prepared by reacting diols with dicarbonates such as diphenyl carbonate or phosgene. Polyethers comprising diols, formed from polymers derived from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and/or tetrahydrofuran are also useful. An amine functionality can be employed to introduce terminal hydroxyl functionality, with compounds such as diethanolamine, ethanolamine, N-methylethanolamine, propanolamine, N,N,N'-tris-2- hydroxyethyl-ethylendiamine.

[0075] Epoxy resins are comprised primarily of linear chain molecules. These molecules are formed from the reaction of bisphenols with halohydrins to yield epoxy resins containing epoxy groups. Common bisphenols include bisphenol-A, bisphenol-F, bisphenol-S, and 4,4' dihydroxy bisphenol. Common halohydrins include epichlorohydrin, dichlorohydrin, and l,2-dichloro-3- hydroxypropane. Examples of commercially available epoxy resins include D.E.R.™ 333 and D.E.R.™ 661 from The Dow Chemical Company; EPON™ 828, EPON™ 836, and EPON™ 1001 from Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc.; Ciba-Geigy epoxy resins GT-7013, GT-7014, GT-7074, GT-259 from Huntsman; and Ancarez™ AR 555 from Air Products.

[0076] Non-limiting examples of the secondary rheology modifiers can include celluloses and cellulose derivatives, guars and guar derivatives, modified ureas, polyurethane thickeners and associative thickeners, alkali swellable emulsions (ASEs), hydrophobic ally modified alkali swellable emulsions (HASEs), hydrophobically modified polyurethanes (HEURs),

hydrophobically modified polyethers (HMPEs), attapulgites, hydrophobically modified polyacetal polyethers (HMPAPEs), acrylate thickeners, amides and organic derivatives, fumed silicas, synthetic layered silicates, organoclays, mixed minerals, thixotropy boosters,

polyalkylene ether derivatives, starches, polyacrylates, and the like.

[0077] Non-limiting examples of the pH adjustment agents can include monoethanol amine, triethanol amine, methylaminoethanol, 2- amino- 2-methyl- 1 -propanol, 2-(n-butylamino) ethanol, ammonium hydroxide, ammonia, caustic, potassium hydroxide, formic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, organic acids, minerals acids, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like.

[0078] Non-limiting examples of biocidal agents can include 2-n-octyl-3-isothiazolone, chlorothalonil, carbendazim, diuron, isothiazolone, 2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (OIT), iodopropynyl butyl carbamate (IPBC), sodium 2-pyridinethiol-l -oxide, zinc 2-pyridinethiol-l- oxide, l,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane, 2-(4-thiazolyl)-benzimidazole, thiabendazole, tebuconazole, methylene bis(thiocyanate), 2-(thiocyano-methylthio)-benzothiazole, octhilinone, barium metaborate, propiconazole, diiodomethyl p-tolyl sulfone, 3-iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate, n-(trichloromethylthio) phthalimide, tributyltin benzoate, alkyl amine hydro chlorides, n-trichloromethylthio-4-cyclohexene- 1 ,2-dicarboximide, 2-methylthio-4-tert-butyl- amino-6-cyclopropylamino-s-triazine, tetrachloroisophthalonitrile, zinc

dimethyldithiocarbamate, zinc 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, trans-l,2-bis(n-propyl-sulfonyl ethane, 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-3-(2H)-isothiazolone, 4,5-dichloro-2-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (DCOIT), carbendazim, Irgarol, l0,l0'-oxybisphenoxarsine, triclosan, 2-methylthio-4-tert-butyl-amino-6- cyclopropylamino-s-triazine, n-cyclopropyl-N'-(l,l-dimethylethyl)-6-)methylthio)- 1,3,5- triazine-2, 4-diamine, zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate (Ziram), Irgarol® 1051 (commercially available from BASF SE), tributyltin oxide (TBTO), 5-chloro-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one/2- methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (CIT/MIT), benzisothiazolinone ( BIT), methylisothiazolinone (MIT), hexahydro-l,3,5-tris (2-hydroxyethyl)-S-triazine, sodium pyrithione, zinc 2- pyridinethiol-l -oxide, l,2-benzoisothiazolin-3-one, glutaraldehyde, 2,2-dibromo-3- nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA), poly(hexamethylenebiguanide) hydrochloride (PHMB), 2- bromo-2-nitropropane-l,3-diol (Bronopol), l,2-dibromo-2-4-dicyanobutane, l-bromo-l- (bromomethyl)- 1 ,3-propanedicarbonitrile, 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrio-propionamide, benzyl bromoacetate, l-bromo-l-(bromomethyl)-l,3-propanedicarbonitrile, Dazomet, dodecylguanidine hydrochloride, methylene dithiocyanate, l-methyl-3,5,7-triaza-l-azoniaadamantane chloride, 2- bromo-4'-hydroxyacetophenone, dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide, 1 ,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, hexahydrotriazine, bromo-beta-nitrostyrene, ethyldihydro-lH,3H,5H-oxazolo(3,4-C)oxazole, acetoxy-2,4-dimethyl-m-dioxane, nitrobutyl morpholine, ethyl-2-nitrotrimethylene

dimorpholine, sodium o-phenylphenate, chloroallyl-3,5,7-azoniaadamantane chloride, sodium salt of biphenylol, tributyltin benzoate, alkylamine hydrochlorides, mixture of monocyclic oxazolidines, n-methyl-2-hydroxymethyleneoxypropyl-2'-hydroxypropylamine, sodium hydroxymethyl glycinate, mixture of bicyclic oxazolidines, l,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5, 5-dimethyl hydantoin, hydroxymethyl 5,5-dimethylhydantoin, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2- methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and combinations.

[0079] Non-limiting examples of colorants can include pigments and/or dyes. Suitable pigment materials can be found in Hunger’s“Industrial Organic Pigments,” Itoh’s“Dictionary of Pigments,” and Leach and Pierce’s“Printing Ink Manual.” Examples of inorganic pigments can include, but are not limited to, pigment blacks (lamp, furnace, channel blacks), iron oxides (red, yellow, brown, black, transparent, etc.), spinel black, chromium oxides green, chromate yellows, iron blues, zinc chromate, molybdate orange, molybdate reds, ultramarine, cadmium, mixed phase pigments (nickel titanium yellow, chromium titanium yellow, cobalt green, cobalt blue, zinc iron brown, iron manganese black), all types of metallic powder pigments such as aluminum powder, gold powder, silver powder, copper powder, bronze powder, and brass powder; or their metal flake pigments; mica flake pigment; mica flake pigments which have been coated with metallic oxides; mica shape oxide pigments, and the like.

[0080] Organic pigments can include, but are not limited to, monoazo pigments

(acetoacetarylide, benzimidazolone, naphthol AS, pigmented b-naphthol dyes), disazo pigments (azo condensation pigments, dipyrazolone), polycyclic pigments (quinacridone, dioxazine, perylene, diketopyrrolo-pyrrole, isoindoline), and metal complex pigments (Cu- phthalocyanines). Examples of the dyes can include metal complex dyes, anionic dyes, azo dyes, and the like.

[0081] Cellulose derivatives can include, but are not limited to, ethyl cellulose (EC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), ethylhydroxyethyl cellulose (EHEC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), carboxymethylhydroxyethyl cellulose (CMHEC), hydroxypropylhydroxyethyl cellulose (HMHEC), methyl cellulose (MC), methylhydroxypropyl cellulose (MHPC), methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC), carboxymethylmethyl cellulose (CMMC), hydrophobically modified carboxymethyl cellulose (HMCMC), hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose (HMHEC), hydrophobically modified hydroxylpropyl cellulose (HMHPC), hydrophobically modified ethylhydroxyethyl cellulose (HMEHEC), hydrophobically modified carboxymethylhydroxyethyl cellulose (HMCMHEC), hydrophobically modified hydroxypropylhydroxyethyl cellulose (HMHPHEC), hydrophobically modified methyl cellulose (HMMC), hydrophobically modified methylhydroxypropyl cellulose (HMMHPC),

hydrophobically modified methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (HMMHEC), hydrophobically modified carboxymethylmethyl cellulose (HMCMMC), cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose (cationic HEC), cationic hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose (cationic HMHEC), nano fibrillated cellulosics (NFC), and microfibrillated cellulosics (MFC).

[0082] Guar derivatives can include, but are not limited to, carboxymethyl guar,

carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar, cationic hydroxypropyl guar, hydroxyalkyl guar such as hydroxyethyl guar, hydroxypropyl guar, and hydroxybutyl guar, carboxylalkyl guars such as carboxymethyl guar, carboxylpropyl guar, carboxybutyl guar, and the like.

[0083] Examples of the defoaming agents or defoamers can include, but are not limited to, silicone defoamers, silicone defoamers comprising polysiloxane and hydrophobic particles, silicone-free defoamers comprising hydrophobic particles and polymers, silicone-free defoamers comprising polymers, mineral oil defoamers comprised of paraffin based mineral oil, hydrophobic particles, and polysiloxanes.

[0084] Surfactants can provide excellent surface tension reducing capabilities for substrate wetting. Surfactants used in the present disclosure can be nonionic and anionic surfactants.

[0085] Examples of the nonionic surfactants can include, but are not limited to, C₁₂-C₁₈ fatty alcohol ethoxylates, C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty alcohol ethoxylates, C₁₆-C₁₈ fatty alcohol ethoxylates, C₁₃-C₁₅ oxo alcohol ethoxylates, Cio-Cis alcohol ethoxylates, C₁₃ oxo alcohol ethoxylates, C₁₀ Guerbet alcohol ethoxylates, C₁₀ Guerbet alcohol alkoxylates, C₁₀ oxo alcohol ethoxylates, alkyl polyglucosides (e.g., Cs-Cio alkyl polyglucoside, Cs-C ₁₄ alkyl polyglucoside, C₁₂-C₁₄ alkyl polyglucoside, blends of C₁₂-C₁₀ alkyl polyglucoside on inorganic and organic carrier, amine ethoxylates (e.g., oleyl amine +12 EO, coco amine + -12EO), aminopolyol (e.g., triethanol amine + 18EO, ethylene diamine + 4PO), alkyl pyrrolidones (e.g., N-octyl pyrrolidone, N-butyl pyrrolidone, N-dodecyl pyrrolidone), resin precursors and additives (e.g., Bisphenol A ethoxylates, BIS A + 3 EO, BIS A + 4 EO, BIS A + 6 EO), emulsifiers and solubili ers (e.g., 4- Cio-i₃-sec-alkyl derivatives of benzenesulfonic acid calcium salts, castor oil + -20EO, castor oil + -35EO, castor oil + -40EO, epoxidized vegetable oil, ethoxylated rape seed oil, sorbitanester ethoxylated, decyl alcohol + -3EO, Cs fatty alcohol + 4EO, fatty alcohol ethoxylate, Cs-Cio fatty alcohol + -5EO, C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty alcohol + -50EO, ethoxylated sorbitan trioleate, castor oil ethoxylate, phenol ethoxylate, alcohol ethoxylate, ethoxylated mono-/di glyceride), foam suppressors (e.g., polyalkoxyester and solvent, fatty alcohol alkoxylate, carboxylic acid ester, phosphoric acid ester, combination of paraffin and silicon on carrier, alkyl polyalkylene glycol ether, Guerbet alcohol C_½ + -2EO, fatty alcohol alkoxylate), low-foaming nonionic surfactants (e.g., fatty alcohol alkoxylate, modified fatty alcohol polyglycol ether, amine alkoxylate, end- capped Guerbet alcohol alkoxylate, end-capped fatty alcohol alkoxylate, PO/EO block copolymers), lauramine oxide, cocamidopropylamine oxide, alkylamido propyl betaine, polyglycol ether of an aliphatic diol, oleic acid amide + 10 EO, emulsifiable methyl canolate, unsaturated fatty alcohol ethoxylate, fatty alcohol poly glycol ethers, fatty alcohol poly glycol ethers with fatty acid, unsaturated fatty alcohol ethoxylate), polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, methyl polyethylene glycols, alkyl polyalkylene glycol copolymers, alkyl polypropylene glycols, polyfunctional polyalkylene glycols, reactive polyalkylene glycols. [0086] Other nonionic surfactants can include, but are not limited to, alkylphenol ethoxylates such as nonylphenol ethoxylates and octylphenol ethoxylates, secondary alcohol alkoxylates such as secondary alcohol ethoxylates (TERGITOL™l5-S-9, commercially available from The Dow Chemistry Company), and primary alcohol alkoxylates.

[0087] Examples of anionic surfactants can include, but are not limited to, sodium salt of lauryl ether sulfate + 2EO, sodium salt of iso-tridecyl alcohol ether sulfate + 20EO, sodium salt of fatty alcohol ether sulfate + 2 EO, sodium salt of fatty alcohol ether sulfate + 4 EO, sodium salt of fatty alcohol ether sulfate + 7 EO, sodium salt of fatty alcohol ether sulfate + 12 EO, sodium salt of fatty alcohol ether sulfate + 30 EO, sodium salt of fatty alcohol ether sulfate + 50 EO, sodium salt of C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty alcohol ether sulfate + 1EO, sodium salt of C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty alcohol ether sulfate + 2EO, sodium salt of C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty alcohol ether sulfate + 3EO, ammonium salt of C₈-Ci₄ fatty alcohol sulfate, sodium salt of 2-ethylhexyl sulfate, sodium salt of C₁₆-C₁₈ fatty alcohol sulfate, sodium salt of C₁₂ fatty alcohol sulfate, sodium salt of C₁₂-C₁₄ fatty alcohol sulfate, sodium salt of C₁₂-C₁₆ fatty alcohol sulfate, sodium salt of C₁₂-C₁₈ fatty alcohol sulfate, sodium salt of C₁₆-C₁₈ fatty alcohol sulfate, sodium salt of Cs fatty alcohol sulfate, sodium salt of linear C₁₀-C₁₃ alkyl benzene sulfonate, sodium salt of linear C₁₀-C₁₃ alkyl benzene sulfonic acid, potassium salt of oleic acid sulfonate.

[0088] Other surfactants used in the present disclosure can include, but are not limited to, ester quats, sodium salt of alkyl ether phosphate, sodium-N-lauryl- -i mi nodipropionate, acid phosphoric ester of a fatty alcohol ethoxylate + 3EO, sodium salt of mono-alkenyl

sulfosuccinamate, sodium salt of mono-alkenyl sulfosuccinate +5EO, sodium salt of di-isodecyl sulfosuccinate, sodium dioctylsulphosuccinate, acid phosphoric ester, amine salt of

dodecylbenzenesulphonate, alkyl ester phosphate, and the like.

[0089] Non-limiting examples of coalescent agents can include ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetates, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, lower monoalkyl ethers of ethylene or propylene glycol (propylene glycol methyl ether), dimethyl succinate, diethyl succinate, diisopropyl succinate, toluates (e.g., 2-ethoxyethyl p-toluate, 2-propoxyethyl o-toluate, 2- ethoxyethyl o-toluate, 2-ethoxyethyl benzoate, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethyl p-toluate), benzoates (e.g., 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethyl benzoate, 2-propoxyethyl benzoate, 2-methoxy-l-methylethyl benzoate, 2-(2-methoxy-l-methylethoxy)-l-methylethyl benzoate, 2-propoxy-l-methylethyl benzoate). Levulinic acid ester of 2-hexyl- l-decanol, levulinic acid ester of l-tetradecanol/2- hexyldecanol, di-octyl succinate, polytrimethylene ether glycol, hexylene glycol,

butoxyethyoxypropanol, n-propoxypropanol, n-butoxypropanol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, phenyl glycol ether, 2,2,4-trimethylpentanediol-l,3-monoisobutyrate, n-dibutyl glutarate, n-dipentyl glutarate, n-dihexyl glutarate, n-diheptyl glutarate, n-dioctyl glutarate, di isobutyl glutarate, di-2-methylbutyl glutarate, di-4-methyl-2-pentyl glutarate, di-2-ethylhexyl glutarate, pentylol glutarate, tetrapropylene glycol monobutyl ether, and the like. Mixtures of these compounds are also suitable as coalescing agents.

[0090] Coating compositions comprising the lactam-functionalized polymers according to the present disclosure may be applied to a variety of surfaces and substrates. These surfaces and substrates can include, but are not limited to, asphalt, cement, concrete, drywall, glass, masonry, metal, paper, plastic, textile, wall paper, and wood. The coating compositions according to the present disclosure can provide an enhanced hiding power to substrates coated with the compositions.

[0091] The present disclosure also relates to a method of producing an aqueous coating composition having increased open time. The method comprises steps of: (a) dispersing or emulsifying a film-forming polymer in an aqueous solution, and (b) adding at least 0.5 wt% of a lactam-functionalized polymer to the aqueous solution to form the aqueous coating composition having prolonged open time. The lactam-functionalized polymer is the same as those described previously. In one non-limiting embodiment, the lactam-functionalized polymer can be added to the aqueous solution before the film-forming polymer is dispersed or emulsified in the aqueous solution. In another non-limiting embodiment, the lactam-functionalized polymer can be added to the aqueous solution after the film-forming polymer is dispersed or emulsified in the aqueous solution. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, the lactam-functionalized polymer can be added to the aqueous solution at the same time the film-forming polymer is dispersed or emulsified in the aqueous solution.

[0092] The coating compositions according to the present disclosure may be prepared and used according to the examples set out below. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration of the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting, for example, the preparations of the polymers and their applications. EXAMPLES

Polymer Preparation

[0093] In the examples, the following abbreviations are used:

HPP : N- (3 -hydroxylpropyl)- 2-pyrrolidone

HEP : N- (2-hydroxyethyl) -2-pyrrolidone

EPGE: N- [2-(2-oxiranylmethoxy)ethyl] -2-pyrrolidone

EHGE: 2- [ [2-ethylhexyl)oxy] methyl] -oxirane

PAPE: Polyacetal polyether

PEG1: Polyethylene glycol with approximate M_n=7860, M_w=8240

PEG2: Polyethylene glycol with approximate M_n=8l43, M_w=85l0

PEG3: Polyethylene glycol with approximate M_n=3640, M_w=3790

NaOH: Sodium hydroxide

DBM: Dibromomethane

C4Br: l-bromobutane

C8Br: l-bromooctane

Cl2Br: l-bromododecane

Cl6Br: l-bromohexadecane

Cl8Br: l-bromooctadecane

M_w: Weight-average molecular weight

M_n: Number-average molecular weight

M_z: Z-average molecular weight

Example 1: Synthesis of Polymers A and B

[0094] A reactor was charged with PEG and NaOH. The temperature was adjusted to Templ and the contents of the reactor were stirred for 30 minutes under vacuum of 29 in. Hg The temperature was maintained at Templ, water was added, and the contents of the reactor were stirred for 30 minutes. DBM was added and the contents of the reactor were mixed at Templ for 60 minutes. The temperature was adjusted to Temp2 and EPGE was added. The temperature was then adjusted to 120 °C. The contents of the reactor were stirred for 180 minutes. The contents were discharged and allowed to cool to 20-25 ^QC to give Polymers A-B. Table 1 lists the reaction conditions and quantities of the reagents for making Polymers A and B.

Table 1

Example 2: Synthesis of Polymers C-

[0095] A reactor was charged with PEG and NaOH. The temperature was adjusted to Templ and the contents of the reactor were stirred for 30 minutes under vacuum of 29 in. Hg. The temperature was maintained at Templ, water was added, and the contents of the reactor were stirred for Timel. DBM was added and the contents of the reactor were mixed at Templ for Time2. The temperature was adjusted to Temp2 and EPGE was added. The temperature was adjusted to Temp3 and the contents of the reactor were stirred at Temp3 for Time3. The temperature was adjusted to Temp4 and alkyl bromide (C4 - C18 Br) was added. The temperature was then adjusted to Temp5 and the contents of the reactor were mixed for Time4.

A described polymer was obtained except for Polymers D and E. For Polymers D and E, the contents of the reactor were placed under vacuum at 90 °C for 50 minutes. The contents were discharged and allowed to cool to 20-25^QC to give polymers C-I. Table 2 lists the reaction conditions and Table 3 lists the quantities of the reagents for making Polymers C-I.

Table 2

Table 3

Example 3: Synthesis of Polymer J

[0096] A reactor was charged with 1350 g PEG2 and 33.2 g NaOH. The temperature was adjusted to 90 °C and the contents of the reactor were stirred for 30 minutes under vacuum of 29 in. Hg. The temperature was maintained at 90 °C, 0.9 g of water was added, and the contents of the reactor were stirred for 30 minutes. 7.3 g DBM was added and the contents of the reactor were mixed at 90 °C for 60 minutes. The temperature was adjusted to 130 °C and 31.0 g EHGE was added over 60 minutes. The contents of the reactor were stirred at 130 °C for 120 minutes. The temperature was adjusted to 100 °C and 84.8 g EPGE was added. The temperature was then adjusted to 100 °C and the contents of the reactor were mixed for 60 minutes. The contents were discharged and allowed to cool to 20-25^QC to give Polymer J.

Example 4: Synthesis of Polymers K-M

[0097] A reactor was charged with PEG and NaOH. The temperature was adjusted to 80 °C and the contents of the reactor were stirred for 30 minutes under vacuum of 29 in. Hg. The temperature was maintained at 80 °C, water was added, and the contents of the reactor were stirred for 30 minutes. A first charge of DBM was added and the contents of the reactor were mixed at 80 °C for 60 minutes. The temperature was maintained at 80 °C. 15.9 g HPP was added and the contents of the reactor were mixed for Timel. Then a second charge of DBM was added. The contents of the reactor were stirred at 80 °C for 60 minutes. The temperature was adjusted to Templ. The contents were discharged and allowed to cool to 20-25^QC to give polymers K-M. Table 4 lists the reaction conditions and the quantities of the reagents for making Polymers K-M.

Example 5: Synthesis of Polymer N

[0098] A reactor was charged with 1089 g PEG1 and 43.6 g NaOH. The temperature was adjusted to 80 °C and the contents of the reactor were stirred for 30 minutes under vacuum. The temperature was maintained at 80 °C, 15.9 g HPP was added, and the contents of the reactor were stirred for 15 minutes. The temperature was maintained at 80 °C and 69.7 g DBM was added. The contents of the reactor were stirred for 60 minutes. The temperature was adjusted to 120 °C. The contents were discharged and allowed to cool to ambient temperature to give Polymer N.

Example 6: Synthesis of Polymer O

[0099] A reactor was charged with 1350 g PEG3 and 66.7 g NaOH. The temperature was adjusted to 90 °C and the contents of the reactor were stirred for 30 minutes under vacuum of 29 in. Hg. The temperature was maintained at 90 °C, 1.0 g of water was added, and the contents of the reactor were stirred for 20 minutes. 30.4 g DBM was added and the contents of the reactor were mixed at 90 °C for 50 minutes. 107.5 g C8Br was added. The temperature was adjusted to 120 °C and the contents of the reactor were stirred for 90 minutes. The temperature was adjusted to 100 °C and 150.0 g EPGE was added. The contents of the reactor were mixed for 45 minutes at 100 °C. The contents of the reactor were then stirred for 50 minutes at 100 °C under vacuum of 29 in. Hg. The contents were discharged and allowed to cool to 20-25^QC to give Polymer O.

Example 7: Synthesis of Polymers P

[0100] A reactor was charged with 1350 g PEG2 and 50.0 g NaOH. The temperature was adjusted to 90 °C and the contents of the reactor were stirred for 30 minutes under vacuum of 29 in. Hg. The temperature was maintained at 90 °C, 2.1 g of water was added, 80.0 g HEP was added, and the contents of the reactor were stirred at 90 °C for 60 minutes. The temperature was maintained at 90 °C and 49.8 g DBM was added. The contents of the reactor were stirred at 90 °C for 90 minutes. The contents of the reactor were discharged and allowed to cool to 20-25 ^QC to give Polymer P.

Example 8: Synthesis of Polymer Q-T

[0101] A reactor was charged with PEG3 and NaOH. The temperature was adjusted to 90 °C and the contents of the reactor were stirred under vacuum of 29 in. Hg. The temperature was maintained at 90 °C, water and HEP were added, and the contents of the reactor were stirred at 90 °C for 60 minutes. The temperature was maintained at 90 °C and DBM was added. The contents of the reactor were stirred at 90 °C for 90 minutes. A described polymer was obtained for Polymer R. For Polymers Q, S and T, the contents of the reactor were placed under vacuum at 90 °C for 60 minutes. The contents of the reactor were discharged and allowed to cool to 20- 25^QC to give Polymers Q-T. Table 5 lists the reaction conditions and the quantities of the reagents for making Polymers Q-T.

Table 5

[0102] A reactor was charged with PEG3 and NaOH. The temperature was adjusted to 90 °C and the contents of the reactor were stirred under vacuum of 29 in. Hg. The temperature was maintained at 90 °C, water was added, HEP was added, and the contents of the reactor were stirred at 90 °C for 60 minutes. The temperature was maintained at 90 °C and DBM was added. The contents of the reactor were stirred at 90 °C for 90 minutes. A described polymer was obtained for polymer R. For polymers Q, S, and T the contents of the reactor were placed under vacuum at 90 °C for 60 minutes. The contents of the reactor were discharged and allowed to cool to 20-25^QC to give Polymers Q-T. Characterization of Polymers

Polymer Purification

[0103] To a reactor were charged the prepared polymer (50.0 g) and toluene (1.0 L). The reactor was purged with nitrogen and the contents of the reactor were stirred for 45 minutes at 80 °C. The reactor was cooled to 25 °C. Hexane (1.0- 1.5 L) was added and the resultant mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at 25 ^QC. The mixture was filtered through a sintered glass filter funnel while the solid and hexane wet cake was stirred with a spatula. The reactor was rinsed with additional hexane (2 x 1.0 L). The rinsed mixture was filtered through the sintered glass filter funnel while the solid and hexane wet cake was stirred with a spatula. The collected solid was dried at 20-25 ^QC for 15 hours followed by drying at 80 °C under vacuum of 29 in. Hg until constant weight was achieved to provide a purified polymer.

NMR Analysis

[0104] Sample Preparation - Approximately 2.0 mg of tetrachloro nitrobenzene (TCNB) and approximately 10.0 mg of polymer sample were weighed into a 2.0 mL vial. 1.5 gm of CDCb was added into the vial. The vial was loaded into a shaker and the shaker was operated for 30 minutes. The resultant solution was transferred into a 5mm NMR tube for analysis. In addition, 0.55 mL of solution was also transferred to another 5 mm NMR tube and about 200 pL of trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) was added and the tube was well shaken for complete mixing before analysis.

[0105] NMR Measurement - Quantitative 'H NMR spectrum was recorded using Bruker 400 MHz NMR spectrometer. Measurement parameters were as follows: temperature 300K, sweep width 20 ppm, pulse width 45 deg, number of scans 32, and relaxation delay 25s. Processing parameters were as follows: line broadening 0.3 Hz. Spectrum was phase and baseline was corrected using standard practice. Down-field signal of residual CHCI3 from solvent CDCI3 was referenced to 7.24 ppm.

[0106] Quantitative NMR Calculation - EPGE weight % was calculated from the >CH- proton (d 1.47 ppm) of EHGE and allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) weight% was calculated from CH₂= peaks of AGE (d 5.19 ppm). The alkyl halides (C4, C8, C10, C12, C16 and C18) weight% was calculated from the -CH₂ proton that was b from the ether oxygen (-0-CH_2-CH_2- (CH₂)_n-CH₃, d 1.54 ppm). The calculation was conducted based on the quantitative NMR procedure, which is described in the following references: Peterson, J. ' H NMK analysis of mixtures using internal standards: A quantitative experiment for the instrumental analysis laboratory , J. Chem. Educ., 1992, 69, 843 - 845; and Bharti, S. K. and Roy, R. Quantitative ¹H NMR spectroscopy , Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 2012, 35, 5 - 26 each publication of which is herein incorporated in its entirety by reference.

Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) Measurement

[0107] SEC was used for measuring polymer molecular weight distributions. Alliance™ HPLC System and Empower™ Chromatography Data System, commercially available from the Waters Corporation (Milford, MA) were used to measure the molecular weights. As used herein with respect to polymers, the terms molecular weight, average molecular weight, mean molecular weight, and apparent molecular weight refers to the arithmetic mean of the molecular weight of individual macromolecules as measured by SEC. The relative molecular weight averages from the SEC were calculated versus poly(ethylene glycol/ethylene oxide) (PEG/PEO) standards with narrow molecular weight distribution.

[0108] Apparatus Set-up - All Waters modules in the set-up included:

Waters M515 solvent delivery system

Waters M2707 autosampler

Waters M2414 differential refractive index detector (DRI) for the relative SEC

Column bank(s) - see the details in the“Analysis Conditions” section below.

Waters Empower™ 3 software

RI range 1.00 to 1.75 RIU

Measurement range 7 x 10⁷ RRJ

Drift - 2 x HE⁷ RIU

[0109] Analysis Conditions for SEC was described as follows:

Mobile Phase - 70% Methanol / 30% 0.6M Lithium acetate (pH 4.8) (w/w)

Flow Rate - 1.0 ml/mi

Columns - 2 Shodex KW-804 Protein columns (8 mm x 300 mm) + 2 Shodex KW-803 Protein columns (8 mm x 300 mm) in series (Showa Denko America, Inc., 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 2335A, New York, NY 10170, USA)

Column Temperature - 40 °C DRI (differential refractive index) Detector Temperature - 40 °C

Calibration - PEO/PEG standards with narrow molecular weight distribution (PSS-ETSA, Inc. Amherst Fields Research Park, 160 Old Farm Road, Amherst, MA 01002)

Sample Concentration - Typically 1.5 mg/ml (unless otherwise noted) - dissolved directly into mobile phase

Injection volume - 200 pl

Viscosity of polymer solutions was measured using Brookfield Viscometer with LV spindles 62, 63 or 64 at 30 rpm and 25°C. Table 6 lists the analytical data of Polymers A-T.

Table 6

* The purification was conducted according to the procedure described in“Characterization of Polymers ** SEC measurement was conducted on the unpurified samples.

*** 1.5 wt% methyl beta cyclodextrin was used as a viscosity suppressant

Coating Applications

[0110] A generic semi-gloss formulation was prepared by mixing the grind and control letdown formulations as shown in Table 7 A and Table 7B, respectively. During the let-down phase, 20 lbs water was withheld to incorporate a polymer as an open time additive. The amounts of water withheld subtracting the amounts of the added polymer were added back into the formulation.

Table 7A: Grind Formulation

Natrosol™ Plus 330: Hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose (HMHEC), commercially available from Ashland LLC.

pHLEX™ 110: A neutralizing agent, commercially available from Brenntag Specialties.

Nuosept™ 498G: l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, commercially available from Ashland LLC.

Drewplus™ T-4304: A defoamer, commercially available from Ashland LLC.

Tamol™ 1124: Sodium salt of a maleic anhydride copolymer, commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company.

Carbowet® 106: An ethoxylated nonionic surfactant, commercially available from Evonik Industries.

Strodex™ PK-85NV : Neutralized (potassium salt) form of a phosphate coester of aliphatic alcohols, commercially available from Ashland LLC.

Strodex™ TH-100: A phosphate ester surfactant, commercially available from Ashland LLC. Tronox® CR-826: Rutile titanium dioxide pigment, commercially available from Tronox Limited. Minex® 7: Micronized functional filler having a median particle size of 3.5 microns, commercially available from The Cary Company.

EcoVAE® 401: Vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE) emulsion, commercially available from Celanese

Corporation.

Optifilm™ Enhancer 400: a coalescent, commercially available from Eastman Chemical Company.

Fungitrol™ 940G: A fungicide, commercially available from Troy Corporation.

Aquaflow™ NHS-300: a solvent-free, nonionic synthetic associative thickener for high shear viscosity, commercially available from Ashland LLC.

Aquaflow™ XLS-530: a solvent-free, nonionic synthetic associative thickener, commercially available from Ashland LLC.

Comparative Example 1

[0111] A semi-gloss formulation was prepared based on the grind and letdown formulations in Tables 7 A and 7B without adding any open time additive.

Comparative Example 2

[0112] A semi-gloss formulation was prepared by mixing 2 wt% of Rhodaline® OTE 500, an APE-free and solvent- free humectant, commercially available from Solvay S.A., in lieu of water with the grind and letdown formulations in Tables 7 A and 7B. Comparative Example 3

[0113] A semi-gloss formulation was prepared by mixing 2 wt% of propylene glycol (PG) in lieu of water with the grind and letdown formulations in Tables 7A and 7B.

Comparative Example 4

[0114] A semi-gloss formulation was prepared by mixing 1 wt% of Rhodaline® OTE 500 in lieu of water with the grind and letdown formulations in Tables 7A and 7B.

Example 9

[0115] Polymer P prepared from Example 7 was dissolved in hot water to form a 50 wt% of polymer solution and the pH of the solution was adjusted to about 6.5 - 7.5 with acetic acid. A semi-gloss formulation was prepared by mixing 2 wt% of the solution in lieu of water with the grind and letdown formulations in Tables 7A and 7B.

Example 10

[0116] Polymer N prepared from Example 5 was dissolved in hot water to form a 50 wt% of polymer solution and the pH of the solution was adjusted to about 6.5 - 7.5 with acetic acid. A semi-gloss formulation was prepared by mixing 2 wt% of the solution in lieu of water with the grind and letdown formulations in Tables 7A and 7B.

Example 11

[0117] Polymer P prepared from Example 7 was dissolved in hot water to form a 50 wt% of polymer solution and the pH of the solution was adjusted to about 6.5 - 7.5 with acetic acid. A semi-gloss formulation was prepared by mixing 1 wt% of the solution in lieu of water with the grind and letdown formulations in Tables 7A and 7B. Performance of Coatings

[0118] Consistency of coating compositions was evaluated by measuring the Krebs Unit (KU) viscosity using a Stormer-Type Viscometer based on the standard test method ASTM D562. High-shear (ICI) viscosity of coating compositions was evaluated using a Cone/Plate Viscometer based on the standard test method ASTM D4287. Sag resistance was measured on a Leneta chart based on the standard ASTM D4400 method using a mid-range bar. Wet film thickness (WFT) in mils above which sag occurred was measured. Levelling was measured based on the standard ASTM D4062 method on a scale of 0-10 wherein 0 represented as the worst and 10 represented as the best.

Open Time Measurement

[0119] Open time was measured on Rheolaser™ Coating, an optical film formation analyzer based on multi speckle diffuse wave spectroscopy(MS-DWS) that is commercially available from Formulaction Inc. USA. The instrument enables monitoring of micro structure changes during the film formation process. It identifies the drying mechanisms and characteristic drying times of a coating on a substrate by using an optical technology that studies the dynamics of scattered light on the substrate. A laser source sends light on the coated substrate containing a paint sample, backscattering occurs, and the diffusing waves are detected by a video camera to create speckle images. The speed at which the speckle images change due to mobility of the particles of the paint is mathematically processed using the instrument’s data processing algorithm to calculate fluidity factor. Faster particle mobility will lead to rapid change in the speckle images while slower particle mobility will lead to slow change in the speckle images.

[0120] The Rheolaser™ Coating can be used to study four kinetic phases of drying water- based paints. Phase I relates evaporation. In this phase, particles move freely. Phase II relates to particle ordering or packing. In this phase, the movement of particles causes the reordering of others. Phase III relates to particle deformation. Phase IV relates to interdiffusion. The time corresponding to the end of Phase I is recorded as an open time. As particle deformation and interdiffusion occur, interstitial water disappears, viscosity changes, and the fluidity factor changes. As the sample dries, the motion of the particles decreases leading to a smaller fluidity factor indicating a lack of movement. [0121] Sample Preparation and Open Time Measurement - The paint samples were drawn down on a glass substrate using a 3 mil-Byk applicator on an automatic coater. The

measurements were conducted immediately after the drawdown at ambient conditions of 20+2 °C and 50+5 % relative humidity. The time corresponding the end of the Phase I was recorded as the open time.

[0122] Table 8 shows KU, ICI, sag, leveling and open time of the paint formulations from the examples. Examples having the polymers of the present disclosure show higher open times compared to the comparative at the same dosages.

Table 8

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An aqueous coating composition comprising at least 0.5 wt% of a lactam-functionalized polymer, wherein the lactam-functionalized polymer comprises a polymer backbone and at least one lactam-containing moiety attached to the polymer backbone, wherein the polymer backbone is selected from the group consisting of polyacetal polyether, polyhemiaminal polyether, polyaminal polyether, and combinations thereof, wherein the aqueous coating composition has a prolonged open time.

2. The aqueous coating composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one lactam-containing moiety is attached to at least one end of the polymer backbone or pendant on the polymer backbone.

3. The aqueous coating composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one lactam- containing moiety has a general formula (I):

wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon diradical optionally having at least one heteroatom and is attached to a carbon or nitrogen atom on the lactam ring, and b is from 1 to 5.

4. The aqueous coating composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one lactam- containing moiety has a general formula (II):

wherein R' and R" are identical or different and are each independently hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon diradical optionally having at least one heteroatom, and R" is attached to a carbon atom on the lactam ring, and b is from 1 to 5 with the proviso that R' or R" or both R' and R" are a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon diradical optionally having at least one heteroatom.

5. The aqueous coating composition of claim 3, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkylene, arylalkenyl, cyclic, cycloaliphatic and polycyclic, optionally having at least one heteroatom.

6. The aqueous coating composition of claim 4, wherein R¹ and R" are identical or different and are each independently selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkylene, arylalkenyl, cyclic, cycloaliphatic and polycyclic, optionally having at least one heteroatom.

7. The aqueous coating composition of claim 5, wherein R is an alkylene having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, optionally having at least one heteroatom.

8. The aqueous coating composition of claim 6, wherein R¹ and R" are identical or different and are each independently an alkylene having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, optionally having at least one heteroatom.

9. The aqueous coating composition of claim 3, wherein the at least one lactam-containing moiety has one or both of the following general formulas:

Formula (III):

Formula (IV):

wherein L is a direct bond, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene optionally having at least one heteroatom; A is hydrogen, OX_nH, SX_nH, or NR₄X_nH; R₁-R₄ are identical or different and are each independently hydrogen, linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 30 carbons, or saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon rings having 3 to 10 carbons, optionally having at least one heteroatom; X is the lactam-containing moiety of Formula (III) or (IV); n is from 0 to 500; and b is from 1 to

5.

10. The aqueous coating composition of claim 4, wherein R' and R" are identical or different

I I I I

and are each independently hydrogen, ^{A R}1 , or ^R2 Ri ; wherein L is attached to the lactam ring, and is a direct bond, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene optionally having at least one heteroatom; A is hydrogen, OX_nH, SX_nH, or NR₄X_nH; R1-R4 are identical or different and are each independently hydrogen, linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 30 carbons, or saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon rings having 3 to 10 carbons, optionally having at least one heteroatom; X is the lactam-containing moiety of Formula (II); n is from 0 to 500; and b is from 1 to 5 with the proviso that R' or R" or both R' and R" are a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon diradical optionally having at least one heteroatom.

11. The aqueous coating composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the polymer further comprises at least one hydrophobic moiety to form a hydrophobically modified lactam- functionalized polymer.

12. The aqueous coating composition of claim 11, wherein the hydrophobically modified lactam-functionalized polymer comprises at least one hydrophobic moiety attached to at least one end of the lactam-functionalized polymer or pendant on the lactam- functionalized polymer.

13. The aqueous coating composition of claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least one hydrophobic moiety is selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, cyclic, cycloaliphatic, and polycyclic, optionally having at least one heteroatom.

14. The aqueous coating composition of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the number of the at least one lactam-containing moiety is from 1 to 500.

15. The aqueous coating composition of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the number of the at least one hydrophobic moiety is from 1 to 500.

16. The aqueous coating composition of any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising about 0.5 wt% to about 3 wt% of the lactam- functionalized polymer.

17. The aqueous coating composition of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the aqueous composition comprises a paint.

18. A method of producing an aqueous coating composition having increased open time comprises steps of:

(a) dispersing or emulsifying a film-forming polymer in an aqueous solution, and

(b) adding at least 0.5 wt% of a lactam-functionalized polymer to the aqueous solution to form the aqueous coating composition having prolonged open time,

wherein the lactam-functionalized polymer comprises a polymer backbone and at least one lactam-containing moiety attached to the polymer backbone, wherein the polymer backbone is selected from the group consisting of polyacetal polyether, polyhemiaminal polyether, polyaminal polyether, and combinations thereof,

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the lactam-functionalized polymer is added to the aqueous solution before the film-forming polymer is dispersed or emulsified in the aqueous solution.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the lactam-functionalized polymer is added to the aqueous solution after the film-forming polymer is dispersed or emulsified in the aqueous solution.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the lactam-functionalized polymer is added to the aqueous solution at the same time the film-forming polymer is dispersed or emulsified in the aqueous solution.