Ecological requirements are forcing a change in tech- nology of industrially applied coatings. At present sol- vent-borne coatings dominate this field but in the next few years rapidly increasing use will be made of aqueous coatings, electrocoating, solvent-free liquid coatings which can be cured by U. V.-light or electronbeam, and powder coatings. This monograph describes some recent developments in these new "non-polluting" coating technologies. It is impossible to predict how big a share each of these novel coatings will take from the conventional in- dustrial finishes market which at present represents an annual volume of about one billion dollars. In all likeli- hood each will find its own specialized use. We hope that this monograph will help the reader to form a perspective of the various novel coatings, their method of application, their advantages and their limitations. J. L. Gardon Joseph W. Prane Rahway, N. J., and Elkins Park, Pa. October 15, 1972 v CONTENTS Status of Air Pollution Control Regulations........... 1 Francis Scofield Physical Characterization of Water Dispersed and Soluble Acrylic Polymers........................... 5 William H. Brendley, Jr. and Thomas H. Haag Methylated Urea Formaldehyde Cross-Linking Agents in Aqueous Emulsions............................... 25 Leonard J. Calbo Polymer Parameters Affecting Aqueous Topcoat Systems. - . . . . . . . . . - . . . . . . - . . . . . . . . . - . - . . . 35 . - . . . . . . . .