A method for preparing an aqueous dispersion, the method comprising: melt-kneading a non-functionalized polyolefin (co)polymer, a modified-polyolefin copolymer, a surfactant and water to provide an aqueous dispersion, the average diameter of solids in the aqueous dispersion are less than 400 nm; and neutralizing the aqueous dispersion with a base to a pH of 5 or greater. A method for preparing a composite polymer granule, the method comprising: providing the aqueous dispersion described herein; combining a (meth)acrylic monomer and an initiator with the aqueous dispersion under emulsion polymerization conditions. A composite polymer granule comprising: a core defined by a non-functionalized polyolefin (co)polymer and a modified polyolefin copolymer, wherein the modified-polyolefin copolymer includes, in polymerized form, monomer units selected from acidic monomers and olefinic monomers.
