Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and complementary methods were employed to study the time dependent film formation of a latex dispersion in water and cement pore solution. First, a model carboxylated styrene/ n-butyl acrylate latex dispersion possessing a minimum film forming temperature (MFFT) of 18 °C was synthesized in aqueous media via emulsion polymerization. Its film forming property was at a temperature of 40 °C, studied under an ESEM. The analysis revealed that upon removal of water, film formation occurs as a result of particle packing, particle deformation and finally particle coalescence. Film formation is significantly retarded when the latex dispersion is present in cement pore solution. This effect can be ascribed to adsorption of Ca 2+ ions onto the surface of the anionic latex particles and to interfacial secondary phases. This layer of adsorbed Ca 2+ ions hinders interdiffusion of the macromolecules and subsequent film formation of the latex polymer.
Read full abstract