Hydrocarbon Resin Research Articles

The Effect of Tackifier on the Properties of Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives Based on Styrene–Butadiene–Styrene Rubber

Pressure-sensitive polymer adhesives based on styrene–butadiene–styrene rubbers and aromatic petroleum hydrocarbon resins making the block copolymer tacky and differing in the degree of hydrogenation were prepared. The rheology of the resins and blends was studied in detail, and the adhesion characteristics of the blends were determined. Both the initial components and their blends are characterized by microphase segregation determining the set of the properties. The relationship between the rheology of blends and the character of the cleavage of the adhesive joints was demonstrated.

Synthesis of Hydrocarbon Resins by Thermal Polymerization of Unsaturated Compounds of Pyrolysis Fractions

Hydrocarbon resins were synthesized by thermal polymerization of the olefinic compounds of liquid pyrolysis products (the C9+ fraction, heavy tar). The hydrocarbon resins were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, MALDI spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. The effect of temperature, reaction time, feed composition, and solvent content on the yield, molecular weight, color, and molecular structure of the hydrocarbon resins was investigated. It was shown that addition of the C9+ fraction to heavy tar increases the polymer yield while reducing the content of aromatic fragments in its structure.

All-polyethylene composites reinforced via extended-chain UHMWPE nanostructure formation during melt processing

Nanophase separation during injection molding of high density polyethylene (HDPE) together with polyethylene reactor blend (RB) additives that have ultrabroad bimodal molar mass distribution and a high content of ultrahigh molar mass polyethylene (UHMWPE), produces thermoplastic all-polyethylene composites reinforced with extended-chain UHMWPE nanostructures formed in situ. Neither alien fibers, inorganic fillers, hazardous nanoparticles nor modified single- and multi-step molding processes are required to convert HDPE into higher performance engineering plastics. The RB40 additive is readily tailored by ethylene polymerization on silica-supported chromium two-site catalysts and contains 40 wt% UHMWPE (Mw = 1.5 × 106 g∙mol−1) dispersed in 50 wt% HDPE wax (Mw = 1.1 × 103 g∙mol−1). The presence of disentangled nanophase-separated UHMWPE together with HDPE wax serving as a processing aid enables injection molding of all-PE composites with high UHMWPE content of up to 24 wt% without changing processing parameters typical for HDPE. As verified by both scanning electron microscopic analyses of samples etched with hot xylene and thermal analysis, the HDPE matrix is efficiently reinforced by in situ formed polyethylene shish-kebab fibers where flow-induced crystallization yields extended-chain UHMWPE nanostructures as shish nucleating the crystallization of HDPE kebab. For the first time, by etching quenched samples, it was possible to completely suppress kebab formation and to image in situ extended-chain UHMWPE shish with an average diameter of 80 nm. Upon increasing the UHMPE content the average total diameter of shish-kebab fiber-like structures drastically decreases from micron to nanometer range, forming non-woven-like architectures. This self-reinforcement simultaneously improves toughness, stiffness and strength parameters unparalleled by conventional melt-blending HDPE with micron-sized UHMWPE and HDPE wax. Compared to HDPE, the addition of 60 wt% RB40 increases the Young's modulus to 4.2 GPa, tensile strength to 160 MPa and impact strength to 20 kJ/m2. This sustainable route to self-reinforced all-PE composite composites preserves the high energy, resource, cost and eco-efficiencies typical for pure hydrocarbon resins. Here, we examine the impact of RB40 addition on in situ nanostructure formation and its correlation with thermal and mechanical properties of all-PE composites.

Unrevealing the effect of different dispersion agents on the properties of ethylene–propylene copolymer/halloysite nanocomposites

The properties of polyolefin nanocomposites strongly depend on the dispersion level of the nanoparticles and the addition of dispersion agents contributes to improving their performance. In this study, the morphology and the mechanical properties of heterophasic ethylene-propylene copolymer/halloysite nanocomposites were tailored by using two hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins: 90% and 100% hydrogenated and two compatibilizing agents: poly(propylene-g-maleic anhydride) and poly(ethylene-octene-g-maleic anhydride). The transmission electron microscopy indicated that the best dispersion of the halloysite nanotubes was achieved when hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins and poly(propylene-g-maleic anhydride) were used simultaneously. All nanocomposites showed an increase in mechanical stiffness and the most pronounced increase of 46% in the Young modulus was achieved with the system containing halloysite, poly(propylene-g-maleic anhydride) and the hydrocarbon resin with the higher degree of hydrogenation. Poly(ethylene-octene-g-maleic anhydride) caused the halloysite nanoparticles to concentrate preferentially in the rubber domains, wherein these hindered the crystallization of polypropylene and polyethylene chains, as showed by atomic force microscopy. In this case, the composite exhibited both high stiffness and improved toughness. These results highlight the key role of dispersion agents in promoting a good balance in the mechanical properties of resulting nanocomposites based on halloysite particles and heterophasic ethylene-propylene copolymers.

Evaluation of optimized bio-asphalt containing high content waste cooking oil residues

Waste cooking oil residues (WCORs)-based bio-asphalt is a potential substitute for petroleum asphalt. However, asphalt binders with a high WCOR content indicates a low rheological property, leading to a limited WCOR mixed content (usually no more than 10wt% of asphalt binder). This study aims to prepare an eco-friendly bio-asphalt with a high WCOR content. Based on the formula uniform design method, the optimum blending proportion of the bio-asphalt was determined as 33.3% WCOR, 31.8% hard asphalt particles (HAP), 30.3% hydrocarbon resin (HR1), 4.6% recycled low density polyethylene (R-LDPE), and external 4% linear SBS polymer (L-SBS). Rheological test results indicated that the optimized bio-asphalt (OBA) presented similar high-temperature performance to SBS modified asphalt (SBS-MA), and much better low-temperature performance than both of SBS-MA and PEN 70 base asphalt (PEN 70). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) test proved that OBA had some special chemical composition such as the acids and esters originated from the addition of WCOR. On the basis of mixture performance tests, it confirmed that OBA mixture possessed similar rutting resistance and moisture susceptibility to SBS-MA mixture, and showed more satisfying low-temperature capability than both of SBS-MA mixture and PEN 70 mixture. Additionally, OBA mixture showed prominent fatigue performance since it had the highest fatigue life and stable fatigue sensitivity at different strain levels. All above evaluations imply the feasibility of using high content of WCOR in road construction applications since OBA containing 33.3% WCOR shows excellent binder and mixture performance.

Assessment of the compatibility in hot melts by using different thermoanalytical methods. Ethylene/n-butyl acrylate (EBA) hot melts containing tackifiers of different nature

Several thermoanalytical methods were used to assess the compatibility of EBA (copolymer of ethylene and n-butyl acrylate) hot melts containing tackifiers of different nature (pentaerythritol rosin ester, polyterpene resin, aliphatic hydrocarbon resin, aromatic hydrocarbon resin, and cycloaliphatic-aromatic hydrocarbon resin). The influence of the compatibility of EBA hot melts on their rheological, viscoelastic, and adhesion properties to polar (aluminum foil) and nonpolar (polypropylene film) substrates were analyzed. The viscosity and shear thinning at 160 °C of EBA hot melts varied significantly by changing the tackifier nature; however, at 180 °C all EBA hot melts showed similar viscosities and shear thinning was absent because of the rupture of physical interactions between their components. EBA copolymer showed broad tackifier compatibility, even though aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon resins were less compatible. Compatibility was assessed by softening point and cloud point measurement, and dynamical mechanical thermal analysis. The most compatible EBA hot melts were obtained with rosin ester, polyterpene and cycloaliphatic-aromatic hydrocarbon tackifiers and they showed the highest tack and adhesion. On the contrary, the less-compatible EBA hot melts were obtained with aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbon tackifiers, and they showed the lowest adhesion. EBA containing aliphatic hydrocarbon tackifier was exceptional because of even being incompatible, it showed high tack.

Improving the efficiency of high-temperature processes for producing lower olefins via deep-processing of by-products

Processes for producing lower olefins are critically examined. It is noted that pyrolysis of various types of hydrocarbon isstill the main process of obtaining ethylene and propylene, and is accompanied by the formation of considerable amounts of by-products,such as liquid pyrolysis products. We present an analysis of domestic and foreign scientific, technical, and patent information pertaining to therational use of petrochemical production by-products, aimed at obtaining hydrocarbon (petroleum) resins. We consider the raw materialsinvolved in obtaining the resins, and generalize data on existing methods of obtaining resins using thermal, initiated, and ion (catalyst)polymerization.

Improving the efficiency of high-temperature processes for producing lower olefins via deep-processing of by-products

Processes for producing lower olefins are critically examined. It is noted that pyrolysis of various types of hydrocarbon is still the main process of obtaining ethylene and propylene, and is accompanied by the formation of considerable amounts of by-products, such as liquid pyrolysis products. We present an analysis of domestic and foreign scientific, technical, and patent information pertaining to the rational use of petrochemical production by-products, aimed at obtaining hydrocarbon (petroleum) resins. We consider the raw materials involved in obtaining the resins, and generalize data on existing methods of obtaining resins using thermal, initiated, and ion (catalyst) polymerization.

Spray-coated superhydrophobic surfaces with wear-resistance, drag-reduction and anti-corrosion properties

This paper proposes a facile and low-cost method of preparing superhydrophobic surfaces on aluminium substrates using a two-step spraying method. A layer of hydrocarbon resin adhesive was sprayed on the substrate, after which dichlorodimethylsilane-modified hydrophobic silica nanoparticles were sprayed on the adhesive primer. The surface morphology, wettability and chemical composition were characterized by scanning electron microscope, water contact angle meter and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The water contact angle of the superhydrophobic surface reached 153.5°±1.5° and the sliding angle was 1.8°±0.2°. The surface exhibited good wear-resistance in sandpaper abrasion, finger-wiping and knife-scratching tests. Even if damaged, the surfaces could be easily repaired. Rheometry results showed that the surface drag reduction rate reached up to 48.7%. Dynamic polarization tests indicated a great improvement in anti-corrosion properties with a decrease of two orders of magnitude in the corrosion current. The present method can be easily expanded to other materials and does not require special conditions, advanced equipment or complicated preparation processes, making it suitable for mass production.

Total spina bifida occulta of sacrum

Processes for producing lower olefins are critically examined. It is noted that pyrolysis of various types of hydrocarbon is still the main process of obtaining ethylene and propylene, and is accompanied by the formation of considerable amounts of by-products, such as liquid pyrolysis products. We present an analysis of domestic and foreign scientific, technical, and patent information pertaining to the rational use of petrochemical production by-products, aimed at obtaining hydrocarbon (petroleum) resins. We consider the raw materials involved in obtaining the resins, and generalize data on existing methods of obtaining resins using thermal, initiated, and ion (catalyst) polymerization.

Characterization and application of propylene grafted hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene hydrocarbon resin

Hydrocarbon resins, which are defined as low molecular weight, amorphous, and thermoplastic polymers, are widely used as tackifiers for various types of adhesives, as processing aids in rubber compounds, and as modifiers for paint and ink products, and for use in plastics polymers such as isotactic polypropylene. Recently, the quantities of the hydrocarbon resin׳ raw materials which are the side products from naphtha cracking process have decreased because of light-feed cracking such as gas cracking, so new raw materials for hydrocarbon resin production are essential. To be satisfied with the previously mentioned factors, the substitution of hydrocarbon resin raw materials with renewable resources is a worthy consideration. Moreover, new hydrocarbon resin having high adhesion performance, low specific gravity, and good compatibility with various polymers has been requested in various adhesives.To meet those requests, in this study, propylene instead of side product from naphtha cracking as main raw material of hydrocarbon resin were partially used. The propylene serves as a new, sustainable raw material and was successfully grafted onto dicyclopentadiene. The reaction of the propylene with dicyclopentadiene was confirmed because, according to NMR and FT-IR analyses, a pendant methyl-propylene group exists in the structure of the propylene-grafted, hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene hydrocarbon resin. To establish an optimal production condition regarding the propylene-grafted, hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene hydrocarbon resin, numerous experiments were conducted according to the mole ratio of the raw materials and the polymerization temperature. The propylene-grafted, hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene hydrocarbon resin that was manufactured according to optimal conditions results in a lower specific gravity and a high molecular weight, whereby the advantages of the adhesion properties of an SIS-based pressure-sensitive-adhesive are exploited. When the propylene-grafted, hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene hydrocarbon resin was formulated with the SIS-based pressure-sensitive-adhesive, both the heat stability and the shear-adhesion strength are sound.

Synthesis and investigation dark polymer hydrocarbon resins in the bitumen composites

Thermal gas-phase pyrolysis of hydrocarbon raw materials in pipe furnaces remains to be the main strategic process of ethylene and propylene production. Nowadays, the possibility of the pyrolysis process intensification to increase the target product yield draws attention of scientists. But besides the olefins (target products) the pyrolysis process is the source of heavy pyrolysis pitch. Considerable development of petrochemical industry requires finding new applications of the by-products from pyrolysis gas and liquid pyrolysis products. Methods of polymer hydrocarbons resin synthesis from the liquid wasters of ethylene and propylene production have been considered. Regularities of modification of polymer hydrocarbons resins (PHRs) insulating oil bitumen have been worked. The influence of the main factors on the physical and chemical properties of this process has been determined. The mechanism of influence petroleum polymer resins (cooligomer products) components to the complex technical and performance properties of the petroleum bitumen compositions have been regarded . Found that based on bitumen insulation compositions of the physical and mechanical parameters, electrical insulation and corrosion characteristics meet the requirements for insulation of underground pipelines have been defined. Polymer petroleum resins as modifiers significantly increase the inhibitory properties of bitumen matrix.

Analysis of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons migrating from a polyolefin-based hot-melt adhesive into food

ABSTRACTHot-melt adhesives are widely utilised to glue cardboard boxes used as food packaging material. They have to comply with the requirements of Article 3 of the European Framework Regulation for food contact materials (1935/2004). The hot melt raw materials analysed mainly consisted of paraffinic waxes, hydrocarbon resins and polyolefins. The hydrocarbon resins, functioning as tackifiers, were the predominant source of hydrocarbons of sufficient volatility to migrate into dry foods: the 18 hydrocarbon resins analysed contained 8.2–118 g kg–1 saturated and up to 59 g kg–1 aromatic hydrocarbons eluted from GC between n-C16 and n-C24, substantially more than the paraffinic waxes and the polyolefins. These tackfier resins, especially the oligomers ≤ C24, have been characterised structurally by GC×GC-MS and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Migration into food was estimated using a simulating system with polenta as food simulant, which was verified by the analysis of a commercial risotto rice sample packed in a virgin fibre folding box sealed with a hot melt. About 0.5–1.5% of the potentially migrating substances (between n-C16 and n-C24) of a hot melt were found to be transferred into food under storage conditions, which can result in a food contamination in the order of 1 mg kg–1 food (depending on the amount of potentially migrating substances from the hot melt, the hot melt surface, amount of food, contact time etc.). Migrates from hot melts are easily mistaken for mineral oil hydrocarbons from recycled cardboard.

Binary mixtures of ethylene containing copolymers and low molecular weight resins: A new approach towards specifically tuned art conservation products

Painted face artworks often require adhesives during their conservation treatment. Damage or ageing processes that result in cracking, powdering, lifting or similar phenomena can occur, at the interface between two paint layers or between a paint layer and the support. Adhesives need to be applied without compromising the original appearance of the object. Those products can either be formulated to provide structural strength at the interface or be applied more diluted, so that they can penetrate into a weakened porous material to improve cohesive bulk properties strength. In the latter case the adhesive is typically referred to as a consolidant.Since this is a niche sector, only a few formulations are tailored specifically for restoration, while almost all products used are transposed from various commercial fields. Furthermore the notion of reversibility limits the range of polymeric materials for conservation to chemically stable thermoplastics, because they can be safely removed.This paper introduces the results of an international project which aims at characterizing the behavior of new adhesive formulations with tuned physicochemical properties and enhanced stability. These are binary mixtures, based on ethylene copolymers and four classes of tackifier. On the contrary of urea-aldehyde and hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins, ketone and rosin ester resins showed good miscibility with the polymeric component. Nevertheless, all tackifiers investigated were able to modify copolymers properties.

Greenhouse Gas and Energy Life Cycle Assessment of Pine Chemicals Derived from Crude Tall Oil and Their Substitutes

SummaryPine chemicals are co‐products of papermaking that are upgraded into diverse products from inks to adhesives. They can also be utilized for energy purposes. This research investigates the carbon and energy life cycle assessment (LCA) of pine chemicals derived from crude tall oil (CTO). The study goals are to determine the cradle‐to‐gate carbon and energy footprint for CTO‐derived chemicals, compare CTO‐derived chemicals to their likely substitutes, and calculate the carbon and energy effects of shifting CTO resources from current chemical production to biodiesel production. The data collected represent 100% of the U.S. and 90% of the European CTO distillation industry for 2011. This analysis is the first industry‐level LCA of pine chemicals. The carbon footprint for CTO‐derived pine chemical products is 50% lower than the likely mix of alternative products, including hydrocarbon resins for rubber, ink, and adhesive, alkyl succinic anhydride for paper size, and heavy fuel oil for heat. Current and proposed European policies could result in CTO being classified as renewable biomass for energy production, creating incentive to convert CTO into fuel rather than chemicals. The differences in the carbon and energy footprints of utilizing CTO for biodiesel versus chemicals are not meaningful when comparing European CTO biodiesel, which displaces conventional diesel, to European CTO‐derived chemicals, which displace the previously discussed substitutes. Therefore, there is no additional carbon or energy benefit that accrues by diverting CTO from current chemical feedstock applications to use for biodiesel production in Europe.

Mechanical properties and in vivo healing evaluation of a novel Centella asiatica-loaded hydrocolloid wound dressing

To develop a novel sodium alginate based Centella asiatica (CA)-loaded hydrocolloid wound dressing (HCD) providing excellent mechanical properties and improved wound healing, numerous CA-loaded HCDs were prepared with various ingredients using the hot melting method. The effect of sodium alginate, styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymer (SIS) and petroleum hydrocarbon resin (PHR) on the mechanical properties of CA-loaded HCDs was investigated. The effect of disintegrants on swelling and drug release was assessed. Moreover, the in vivo wound healing potentials of the selected CA-loaded HCD in various wound models such as abrasion, excision and infection were evaluated in comparison with the commercial product. Polyisobutylene and SIS hardly affected the mechanical properties, but PHR improved the tensile strength and elongation at break. Disintegrants such as croscarmellose sodium, sodium starch glycolate and crospovidone improved the swelling ratio of the CA-loaded HCD. Furthermore, the CA-loaded HCD without croscarmellose sodium poorly released the drug, but that with 2% croscarmellose sodium showed about 27% drug release in 24h. In particular, the CA-loaded HCD composed of CA/polyisobutylene/SIS/PHR/liquid paraffin/sodium alginate/croscarmellose sodium at the weight ratio of 1/8/25/25/12/27/2 furnished excellent mechanical properties and drug release. As compared with the commercial product, it offered improved healing effects in excision, infection and abrasion type wounds in rats. Thus, this novel CA-loaded HCD could be a potential candidate for the treatment of various wounds.

Modification of biaxially oriented polypropylene films using dicyclopentadiene based hydrogenated hydrocarbon resin

Abstract The morphologies, crystalline structures, and thermal and rheological behaviors of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) blended with dicyclopentadiene based hydrogenated hydrocarbon resin (HCR) were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wide-angle X-ray diffractometry, and differential scanning calorimetry in detail. Furthermore, the transparency, mechanical properties, and water vapor and oxygen permeability of biaxially oriented polypropylene films, fabricated from these iPP/HCR blends using a biaxial drawing machine, were examined. It was found that crystallinity varies with the HCR content of the iPP/HCR blend. In addition, amorphous HCR with its high glass transition temperature (T g ) upon blending with iPP’s amorphous structure affords improvements in various film properties, such as mechanical properties, transparency, and gas permeabilities.

UNDERSTANDING THE INFLUENCE OF OLIGOMERIC RESINS ON TRACTION AND ROLLING RESISTANCE OF SILICA-REINFORCED TIRE TREADS

ABSTRACT This study concerns the silica reinforcement of styrene–butadiene rubber compounds for passenger car tire treads, with the objective of gaining greater insight into the beneficial effects of oligomeric resins. The major tire performance factors predicted are rolling resistance and (wet) skid resistance measured on a laboratory scale. Three types of resins were tested: a polyterpene, a terpene-phenolic, and a pure vinyl-aromatic hydrocarbon resin, at various concentrations, namely, 2, 4, and 6 parts per hundred of rubber (phr). Laboratory scale dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), Mooney viscosity, cure meter, and tensile and hardness tests were used to assess the behavior of these resins in the rubber and to characterize the processibility of the compounds. The DMA shows that the resins and rubber compounds are partially compatible for the low resin quantities used. The tan δ loss factor versus temperature was used as an indication for wet skid and rolling resistance. The shift to a higher temperature in the tan δ peak, due to the contribution of the tan δ peak shift of the resins, is the reason for improved wet skid performance. A maximum improvement of about 35% in the wet skid region (0 °C–30 °C) is found. The improved tan δ at 60 °C, indicative for rolling resistance, accounts for reduced interaction between filler particles. This is also confirmed by a decrease in the Payne effect. A maximum improvement of about 15% is found in the rolling resistance temperature range, dependent on the particular choice of the resin.

수첨 DCPD계 석유수지를 이용한 SBCs계 핫멜트점착제의 접착성능 연구

Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD)계 석유수지는 많은 분야에서 점착부여수지로 널리 사용되고 있다. 특히, 수소첨가 반응으로 수지 내 이중결합을 수소로 치환시킨 수첨(水添) DCPD계 석유수지는 무색투명의 색상과 빛과 열에 대한 우수한 안정성으로 인해, 고급 핫멜트접착제(hot melt adhesives, 이하 HMAs) 또는 열용융형 감압접착제(hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives, 이하 HMPSAs) 용도에 널리 사용되고 있다. 본 논문에서는 다양한 수첨 DCPD계 석유수지가 SIS와 SBS와 같은 SBCs를 기본 엘라스토머로 사용한 HMPSAs에서 점착부여수지로 사용될 때의 접착성능에 대해 논의하며, 점착부여 수지의 특성과 HMPSAs의 접착성능과의 상관관계를 보여준다. 높은 연화점의 점착부여수지를 사용할 수록 HMPSAs의 <TEX>$T_g$</TEX>, 연화점 그리고 crossover temperature가 높아졌다. 높은 방향족 모노머 함량의 점착부여수지를 사용할 경우에는, PSAs의 crossover temperature 및 연화점 감소로 확인할 수 있듯이 PSAs의 내열온도를 저하시키는 경향을 보였다. Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD)-based hydrocarbon resins are widely used as tackifiers in many applications. In particular, hydrogenated DCPD-based hydrocarbon resins are widely used in premium hot-melt-type adhesives such as hot melt adhesives (HMAs) and/or hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesives (HMPSAs), because are water-white in color and possess excellent stability to light and heat. This article discusses the adhesive performance of various hydrogenated DCPD resins when they are used as tackifiers in styrene-block-copolymer (SBC)-based HMPSAs. This article shows the correlation between the characteristics of tackifiers and the adhesive performance of SBC-based HMPSAs. The higher the softening point of the tackifier, the higher is the <TEX>$T_g$</TEX>, softening point, and crossover temperature of the PSAs. High aromatic H wt% content reduces the high-temperature resistance of PSAs, as suggested by the decrease in the crossover temperature and softening point of the PSAs.

Polymeric coatings based on acrylic resin latexes from miniemulsion polymerization using hydrocarbon resins as osmotic agents

ABSTRACTWaterborne acrylic resins with a solid content higher than 40 wt % were obtained by miniemulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, and acrylic acid using a hydrocarbon coumarone–indene resin (HCR) as osmotic agent. HCR is a cheap polymer widely used for coatings and pressure‐sensitive adhesives. The resin leads to a higher hydrophobicity for the acrylic latex film and acts as osmotic agent in miniemulsion polymerization preventing Ostwald ripening, leading to latexes with particle sizes, size distributions, and stability comparable to those obtained using n‐hexadecane as osmotic agent. However, the monomer conversion and molecular weight were lower, indicating the occurrence of a chain‐transfer reaction. Atomic force microscopy analysis demonstrated that a smooth film surface with phase‐separated morphology was formed when using HCR. Faster film hardness development was achieved with HCR comparing with hexadecane. Compared with market standard in a paint formulation, a similar performance was achieved. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40569.