. "The objects of the present invention are accomplished by ionic copolymers comprising a polymer of an a-olefin having the general formula RCH CH where R is a radical selected from the class consisting of hydrogen and alkyl radicals having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, the olefin content of said polymer being at least 50 mol percent based on the polymer, and an a,B-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic a" . . .