GUAYULE RESIN MULTIPOLYMER

A method for preparing multipolymers of guayule resin with methacrylic, acrylic, vinyl and styrenic monomers and the resultant compositions are disclosed. As a result of the multipolymerization, the physical and chemical properties of the resin are improved. The primary advantage of multipolymerization over mixtures of resin with homopolymers is that it leads to a homogeneous material, the properties of which can be regulated by adjusting the ratio of the concentration of monomers in the feed. One attractive feature is the production of low viscosity resins with reactive groups that can compete directly with oligomers and macro-monomers used in solventless inks, coatings and adhesives. The low cost of the resin, a byproduct from the extraction of hypoallergenic rubber from guayule and other plants bearing rubber or rubber-like hydrocarbons provides for hybrid low molecular weight copolymers that are cost competitive with state-of-the-art oligomers.