The present invention is directed to a polymer component having controlled branching, formed from the reaction product of a prepolymer and a chain extender, which prepolymer is itself formed from the reaction product of a mixture of a non-self-associating isocyanate component, a diol component having a molecular weight from about 1500 to 6000 grams/mole and present in an amount greater than about 50% by weight based on the total weight of the prepolymer, and an ion-forming compound, where the chain extender includes an amine-containing compound and is present in an amount sufficient to react with at least about 99% of the isocyanate groups present after the prepolymer has been formed, wherein the controlled branching of the polymer includes at least one of: a hydroxy-functional component having hydroxyl functionality greater than 2.0 and a molecular weight from about 700 to 2000; or a low molecular weight component having more than two hydroxyl groups. Methods of making and using such dispersion compositions are also included.