Film formation of structured latexes with hydroplasticizable domains

Abstract

The film formation properties of latex particles are of prime importance when considering their use in coatings applications. In this work, we explore the film formation behavior of multiphase latex systems which contain a phase that is hydroplasticized in the wet state to aid film formation, but dries to form a high modulus, glassy polymer at ambient temperature. A series of core/shell and latex blends containing hydroplasticizable polymers is synthesized. It is shown that by controlling the initial colloidal morphology and the Tg of the hydroplasticized polymer, the minimum film formation temperature can be changed drastically, even for systems with almost identical polymeric components. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the initial colloidal structure can be used to maximize the mechanical properties of the dried films. By considering the factors that contribute to both film formation behavior and mechanical properties of the material in the dry state, latex systems that lead to low minimum film formation temperature, high modulus films are proposed.