Acrylic emulsion polymers for use in the manufacture of coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers; styrene-acrylic emulsion polymers for use in the manufacture of coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers; water-based acrylic polymer dispersions for use in the manufacture of coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers; water-based styrene-acrylic polymer dispersions for use in the manufacture of coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers.