Water suspension of polymers and procedure for its production

An aqueous polymer dispersion in which the polymers contain carboxyl groups and are adjustable in behaviour by adjustment of the pH. The polymers are uncrosslinked copolymers or terpolymers, some of whose carboxyl groups have been neutralised. The dispersion medium is free from organic solvents and preferably free from wetting agents and foreign ions. The dispersion is preferably prepared starting from the finished polymer by comminution in aqueous, preferably alkaline medium. The dispersions are suitable for the production of protective coatings.