Semi‐crystalline/amorphous latex blends for coatings with improved mechanical performance

Abstract

Multiphase latex particles containing semi-crystalline domains can be used to reinforce the mechanical properties of coatings made using emulsion polymers, but their synthesis can be challenging. In this work, we show that simple latex blends involving a semi-crystalline phase can also lead to significantly improved mechanical performance. A series of amorphous and semicrystalline polymer latexes are synthesized and the mechanical properties of films cast from blends of the latexes are measured. By tailoring the particle size