Controlling particle dispersion in latex paints containing associative thickeners

Abstract

Latex paints contain several types of particles including polymer binder, primary pigment, extenders, and colorants. When the paints contain associative thickeners, control of particle dispersion can be very complicated due to the interaction of the particles with dispersants, surfactants, and the associative thickener itself. In particular, dispersion of the pigments can act independently of dispersion of the binder particles. The consequences of this situation are manifested in the physical properties of the paint and of the films it forms. This paper describes these interactions in terms of their colloid chemistry and shows the consequences of additive choices on the particle dispersion and also the optical properties of model paint films.