Methods and compositions involving polar monomers and multivalent cations

The present invention relates generally to polymeric compositions comprising polar monomers and multivalent cations. More particularly, the present invention relates to monophasic compositions comprising polar monomers that exhibit improved physical properties through the addition of a multivalent cation prior to polymerization. This invention also relates to the use of these improved compositions as, for example, coatings, polishes, sealants, caulks, adhesives, and plastics additives. The present invention is directed, in part, to improved polymer compositions and processes for preparing same. Specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided a process for preparing a polymer, wherein the process comprises: providing a reaction mixture comprising a portion of at least one polar monomer and at least one multivalent cation; adding the remaining portion of the polar monomer to the reaction mixture; and polymerizing the monomer to form the polymer. In certain embodiments, the reaction mixture in the providing step comprises at least two molar equivalents or greater of the total amount of polar monomer with respect to one molar equivalent of multivalent cation.