Effect of boron methacrylate monomer on the thermal and pressure-sensitive adhesive properties of 2-EHA-based copolymer latexes synthesized via mini-emulsion polymerization procedure

Abstract

Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are characterized by instantaneous adhesion upon application of light pressure. PSA performance is defined by peel strength, tack and shear strength. The adhesion and cohesion mechanisms are well defined as peel adhesion, loop tack and shear strength in the state of the art and can be adjusted according to the specific requirements. 2-Ethylhexyl acrylate-based latexes have been synthesized with the incorporation of boron methacrylate (BoMA) via mini-emulsion polymerization, and latexes with high surface area were obtained enabling interactive relation with polar and nonpolar surfaces. Cetyl alcohol was used as a cosurfactant to have colloidally stable hydrophobic particles in mini-emulsion polymerization. The incorporation of BoMA at 2% and 4% into the latexes led to an increase in peel adhesion strength on polar and nonpolar substrates. The addition of BoMA decreased the shear strength on both polar and nonpolar substrates at initial and after aging conditions. The shear strength was higher after the polymer films were aged providing a stable and stiff material. The amount of BoMA incisively affects the type of PSA and should be taken into consideration while constructing a polymer for a pre-specified application. The thermal properties were also improved by the addition of BoMA in terms of thermal stability and char yield. The assumptions in question were strongly correlated with peel, shear, loop tack values and thermal analysis.