Effects of Alkali-Soluble Resin on Latex Film Morphology of Poly(n-butyl methacrylate) Studied by Atomic Force Microscopy

Abstract

The effects of alkali-soluble resin containing carboxylated random copolymers on the film structure and individual particle morphology of poly(n-butyl methacrylate) latex film have been studied using atomic force microscopy. More instances of disruption to regular packing of the particles in the latex film, e.g., vacancies, cracking, and dislocations in the regular arrays and domains of random arrangement of particles, were observed in the poly(n-butyl methacrylate) latex film containing alkali-soluble resin than in its absence. In addition, indentations of the tops of the individual latex particles on the film surface were observed. The extent of this occurrence increased with the concentration of the alkali-soluble resin, the annealing temperature, and its duration. The results were interpreted in terms of the different degree of fusion of the poly(n-butyl methacrylate) particles and layer of alkali-soluble resin adsorbed on them during the film formation process.

Surface morphology of latex film formed from poly(butyl methacrylate) latex in the presence of alkali-soluble resin

“…3,4 In another variation, ASR could be post-added to monodisperse surfactant-free poly(nbutyl methacrylate) (PBMA) latex prepared by emulsion polymerization in the absence of any surfactant and their film formation behaviour studied. 5,6 Similar studies of the effect of post-addition of simple surfactants to surfactant-free PBMA latex on latex film formation have been reported previously. 7,8 It has been recognized that amphiphilic polymers with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups can function as stabilizers for latex particles via intermolecular and/or intramolecular hydrophilic interactions.…”

“…Recently we have reported 5,6 a study of the film formation behaviour of PBMA latex in the presence of ASR. Some interesting morphology of crumpling and collapsing of the latex particles leading to the formation of indentations at the tops of individual latex particles in the film surface was observed using the AFM technique.…”

Effect of alkali-soluble resin emulsifiers on coalescence and interdiffusion between latex polymer particles

“…Although several authors have studied the effect of ASR surfactants on emulsion polymerization kinetics and latex characteristics [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14], not many works have been found reporting their influence on film formation and final film properties [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]. For a given polymer composition, film formation depends on experimental conditions (such as annealing temperature) as well as on latex characteristics, including colloidal and microstructural properties and the nature of the surfactant.…”

Synthesis of High Solid‐Content Latex using Alkali‐Soluble Resin as Sole Surfactant

“…50%, and the latex has a moderate-to-high low-shear viscosity, usually in the range of 2-5 Pa Á s. [7,8] Despite the commercial importance of ASR, few systematic studies of such systems have been dedicated to the subject. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Synthesis of high solids/low viscosity latexes has long been of great interest to both industry and academia. [18] Highly concentrated latexes offer many possible advantages, including a higher unitary usage of industrial installations, faster drying rates, and lower shipment costs.…”