Minimum Film Formation Temperature Research Articles

ОПТИМИЗАЦИЯ СОСТАВА ПОЛИМЕРНОГО ОГНЕЗАЩИТНОГО ПОКРЫТИЯ НА ОСНОВЕ ВОДНОЙ ЭМУЛЬСИИ АКРИЛОВОГО СОПОЛИМЕРА

Fire and heat-protective materials are one of the most popular types of coatings. The versatility and efficiency of their intended purpose is one of the important components of safety in the event of fires. As part of this work, research was carried out on the production of a fire-heat-protective coating based on acrylic dispersion, which is characterized by the safety of the base due to the absence of solvents in the composition. It was found that acrylic dispersion Lacroten® brand E-55 should be used as a coating base, with an average viscosity of 100-200 mPa s, with a minimum film formation temperature of minus 5°C. Ammonium polyphosphate, melamine, pentaerythritol, dolomite, and vermiculite were used individually and in mixtures as components to increase fire and heat-protective properties. Based on thermal studies (DTA, DTG) and the fire tube method, it was found that mixtures of ammonium polyphosphate, melamine, dolomite should be used in an amount of 30% by weight. To optimize the ratio of these components, the Scheffe simplex lattice plan (model 7) was used. The assessment was carried out according to three parameters: viscosity of the mixture, coating consumption, weight loss of the wooden sample when tested using the “fire tube” method. As a result of experimental studies, it was found that in order to ensure protective properties, coatings should have the following composition: acrylic dispersion Lacroten® E-55 - 70%; ammonium polyphosphate - 24-28%; melamine - 0-6%; dolomite - 2-6%. These coatings have sufficient fire-protective (wooden samples with the applied protective layer do not burn on their own) and technological properties (application and curing is possible at temperatures above 5ºС; when applying the coating with a brush, a uniform thickness is ensured): flammability class G1, i.e. they do not support independent combustion, the loss of mass of a wooden sample with the applied coating when using the “fire tube” method is in the range of up to 20%, the degree of damage to samples with the applied coating along the length is 50-60%; viscosity of the mixed composition is 200-3200 mPa s; coating consumption to ensure heat-protective properties is 0.05-0.08 g/cm2.

Film formation kinetics of polystyrene latex‐based nanocomposites with a broad particle size distribution

AbstractThe present study article aims to clarify the effect of colloidal polystyrene (PS) latexes with a broad particle size distribution on film formation kinetics of multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐added polymer nanocomposites by considering theoretical film formation models. Experimentally, light transmitted from nanocomposite films, each having different weight fractions of MWCNT, was recorded at different annealing temperatures via UV–Visible spectrophotometry. Optical data set was then theoretically elaborated by taking into account void closure and Prager‐Tirrell models. Activation energies of viscous flow (ΔH) and backbone motion for reptating PS chains (ΔEB), minimum film formation (T0) and healing (Th) temperatures were then computed from optical data. Experimental results revealed that ΔH required for void closure phenomenon remained unaffected by both nanofiller and size distribution of latexes. On the other hand, it was found that ΔEB for backbone motion promoted upon the addition of nano‐fillers into latex particles. Our experimental findings suggested that film formation from MWCNT‐added latex films with a broad particle size distribution mainly originates from void closure mechanism since ΔH for viscous flow suppresses ΔEB acquired for backbone motion of repeating PS chains to a great extent.Highlights A broad size distribution effect of PS on film formation was investigated. Voids closure and Prager‐Tirrell models were applied to spectroscopic data. Activation energy of viscous flow is unaffected by size distribution of PS. Latex film formation with varying size distribution stems from void closure.

Effects of Grafting Degree on the Formation of Waterborne Polyurethane-Acrylate Film with Hard Core-Soft Shell Structure.

Waterborne polyurethane-acrylate (WPUA) grafted with polyurethane was prepared to improve the film-forming ability of hard-type acrylic latex. To balance the film-formation ability and hardness, the WPUA latex was designed with a hard core (polyacrylate) and soft shell (polyurethane). The grafting ratio was controlled through varying the content of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) used to cap the ends of the polyurethane prepolymer. The morphologies of the latex particles, film surface, and fracture surface of the film were characterized through transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. An increase in the grafting ratio resulted in the enhanced miscibility of polyurethane and polyacrylate but reduced adhesion between particles and increased minimum film formation temperature. In addition, grafting was essential to obtain transparent WPUA films. Excessive grafting induced defects such as micropores within the film, leading to the decreased hardness and adhesive strength of the film. The optimal HEMA content for the preparation of a WPUA coating with excellent film-forming ability and high hardness in ambient conditions was noted to be 50%. The final WPUA film was prepared without coalescence agents that generate volatile organic compounds.

Synthesis and properties study of alkali soluble resin fortified polyacrylate latex

AbstractLatex films with high heat resistance tend to have higher Tg and the emulsion minimum film formation temperature (MFFT) is higher. Higher MFFT latexes do not produce continuous coherent films at low temperatures during application. Consequently, in order to solve the paradoxical problem of obtaining latex films with high Tg at low emulsion MFFT, a series of alkali soluble resin (ASR) stabilized latexes were synthesized in this study using a semi‐continuous pre‐emulsification polymerization process. The microstructure of latex particles, polymerization stability, composition and properties of latex films were characterized and tested by ATR‐FTIR, TEM, ZETA potential analyzer, DSC, orthomorphic metallographic microscope, and gloss tester. The results show that the addition of ASR reduces the content of coagulum during polymerization and significantly increases the number of latex particles. The high Tg ASR also induces the formation of a microphase separation structure with a dual glass transition in the latex film, which improves heat resistance. Additionally, hydroplasticized ASR reduces emulsion MFFT, improves latex film flatness, and enhances its glossiness. The introduction of ASR acts as a dual role of synergy with conventional ionic surfactants during synthesis to increase the stability of composite latexes and with polyacrylate (PA) in application to enhance its properties.

Film formation of structured latexes with hydroplasticizable domains

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.

Film formation of high poly(vinyl chloride) content latex particles

Although poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is produced on a large scale industrially by emulsion and suspension polymerization, it is usually processed from the dry state and is seldom directly used as an aqueous polymer dispersion. In this work we demonstrate that by control of particle morphology and particle size distribution it is possible to produce latexes with high PVC content from which polymer films can be cast directly. A series of hybrid PVC/acrylic latexes with a core-shell structure are produced by semi-batch emulsion polymerization using a preformed PVC latex as a seed. Although monomodal particles of this type have a minimum film formation temperature in excess of 80 °C when the content of PVC is high, it is shown that through the use of a bimodal particle size distribution the packing efficiency of the spherical PVC domains is increased such that room temperature film formation is possible with PVC content up to 80 wt%.

Film formation of hard‐core/soft‐shell latex particles

AbstractMultiphase latex particles can be used to overcome some of the limitations with regards to the mechanical properties of films cast from homogeneous latexes while maintaining a reasonably low minimum film formation temperature (MFFT). In this work, we focus on the synthesis and film formation behavior of a series of hard‐core/soft‐shell latexes with varying compositions. It is shown that below a hard‐core content of around 60 wt% the MFFT is almost exclusively dependent on the glass transition temperature of the polymer that forms the soft‐shell. Above hard‐core contents of 60 wt% there is an abrupt increase of the MFFT and film formation is significantly restricted. This behavior is ascribed to the packing behavior of the hard phase. It is shown that the MFFT can be decreased by the use of blends of core‐shell particles of different size such that the packing fraction of the hard domains is improved. This is demonstrated by the counterintuitive result that a blend of two latexes with high MFFT can result in a latex with significantly reduced MFFT. The mechanical properties of the resulting films are also explored in order to determine the limits of hard‐core/soft‐shell systems with regards to their use in coatings applications.

Performance evaluation of acrylate terpolymer based coating on anti-carbonation

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how well reinforced concrete structures can be shielded against concrete carbonation using anti-carbonation coatings based on synthetic polymer.Design/methodology/approachApplying free radical polymerization, an acrylate terpolymer emulsion that a surfactant had stabilized was created. A thermogravimetric analysis, minimum film-forming temperature, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and particle size distribution are used to characterize the prepared eco-friendly water base acrylate terpolymer emulsion. Using three different percentages of the acrylate terpolymer emulsion produced, 35%, 45% and 55%, the anti-carbonation coating was formed. Tensile strength, tensile strain, elongation, crack-bridging ability, carbon dioxide permeability, chloride ion diffusion, average pull-off adhesion strength, water vapor transmission, gloss, wet scrub resistance, QUV/weathering and storage stability are the characteristics of the anti-carbonation coating.FindingsThe formulated acrylate terpolymer emulsion enhances anti-carbonation coating performance in CO2 permeability, Cl-diffusion, crack bridging, pull-off adhesion strength and water vapor transmission. The formed coating based on the formulated acrylate terpolymer emulsion performed better than its commercial counterpart.Practical implicationsTo protect the steel embedded in concrete from corrosion and increase the life span of concrete, the surface of cement is treated with an anti-carbonation coating based on synthetic acrylate terpolymer emulsion.Social implicationsIn addition to saving lives from building collapse, it maintains the infrastructure for the long run.Originality/valueThe anti-carbonation coating, which is based on the synthetic acrylate terpolymer emulsion, is environmentally benign and stops the entry of carbon dioxide and chlorides, which are the main causes of steel corrosion in concrete.

Influence of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles as Antimicrobial Additives Embedded in Waterborne Coating Binders Based on Self-Crosslinking Acrylic Latex

This article deals with the simple preparation of environmentally friendly acrylic latex binders, which are functionalized with nanoparticles of metal oxides, namely MgO, ZnO, La2O3 and combinations of MgO and ZnO, serving as functional components to achieve antimicrobial properties, but also to improve physical–mechanical properties and chemical resilience. The incorporation of uncoated powder nanoparticles was performed during the synthesis, using the two-stage semi-continuous emulsion radical polymerization technique, to obtain latexes containing 0.5%–1.3% nanoparticles relative to the polymer content. Changes in latex performance due to nanoparticles were compared from the point of view of the type and concentration of metal oxide nanoparticles in latex. The results of the tests showed that all types of nanoparticles showed very promising properties, while with increasing concentration of nanoparticles there was an improvement in properties. The nanoparticles in latex provided interfacially crosslinked transparent smooth coating films with high gloss and good physical–mechanical properties. Latexes containing the highest concentration of nanoparticles provided coatings with significant antimicrobial activity against all tested bacterial and fungal strains, but also in-can preservative stability of liquid latex. Furthermore, the coatings were resistant to solvents, and in addition, latexes with MgO nanoparticles showed a significant decrease in the minimum film-forming temperature, and latex with a concentration of about 1.3% MgO did not show any flash corrosion under the coating film cast on a steel substrate. The latexes containing MgO and La2O3 nanoparticles provided coatings that were very resistant to water bleaching.

Film formation of Alkali Soluble Resin (ASR) stabilized latexes

Alkali soluble resin (ASR) stabilized latexes are commonly employed in the development of waterborne coatings with good mechanical properties. However, despite their widespread use, little is known about how the nature of the hydroplasticized, high Tg ASR influences the film formation process and how systems can be designed to minimize the minimum film formation temperature (MFFT). In this work we synthesize a series of ASRs and ASR stabilized latexes in order to explore how the ASR influences the drying and deformation processes occurring during film formation. It is shown the ASR absorbs water and serves to increase the effective volume fraction of polymer during drying. Despite often being considered as an aqueous solution, the ASR behaves more like a conventional colloidal polymer and its film formation behavior is dictated by the wet Tg of the ASR. In ASR/latex blends both the wet Tg of the ASR and the Tg of the main emulsion polymer affects the MFFT. It is shown that high Tg ASRs (Tg > 100 °C) can be easily used in formulations that have MFFT <20 °C. In addition, for latexes with high Tg (Tg > 60 °C), using correct design strategies, hydroplasticized ASRs can be employed to lower the MFFT to below ambient temperature. These insights should allow for the effective development of latex films with low MFFT but mechanical properties more comparable to their solvent based counterparts.

The influence of a non-isocyanate urethane monomer in the film formation and mechanical properties of homogeneous and core-shell latexes

A urethane methacrylate monomer, 2-((methylcarbamoyl)oxy)ethyl methacrylate, (MEM), was synthesized via a non-isocyanate pathway and incorporated into latexes using a semi-continuous emulsion polymerization. Homogeneous and core-shell latexes were prepared using MEM, methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate (BA). Narrow particle size distribution and high conversion was achieved for all latexes. Core-shell structure was corroborated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermal properties, viscoelastic, mechanical properties and morphology were evaluated and compared as a function of increasing concentration of the urethane methacrylate monomer. Enhanced viscoelastic and mechanical properties were obtained with higher MEM content in both homogeneous and core-shell latexes. Incorporation of MEM into latexes lowered the minimum film formation temperature (MFFT) and also enhanced the extent of film formation. Core-shell latexes displayed higher storage modulus, Young's modulus, tensile strength and hardness compared to homogeneous latexes due to the combination of hard core and the pendent urethane present in the continuous phase (shell).

Tracking Hydroplasticization by DSC: Movement of Water Domains Bound to Poly(Meth)Acrylates during Latex Film Formation.

The film formation step of latexes constitutes one of the challenges of these environmentally friendly waterborne polymers, as the high glass transition (TG) polymers needed to produce hard films to be used as coatings will not produce coherent films at low temperature. This issue has been dealt by the use of temporary plasticizers added with the objective to reduce the TG of the polymers during film formation, while being released to the atmosphere afterwards. The main problem of these temporary plasticizers is their volatile organic nature, which is not recommended for the environment. Therefore, different strategies have been proposed to overcome their massive use. One of them is the use of hydroplasticization, as water, abundant in latexes, can effectively act as plasticizer for certain types of polymers. In this work, the effect of three different grafted hydroplasticizers has been checked in a (meth)acrylate copolymer, concluding that itaconic acid showed the best performance as seen by its low minimum film-formation temperature, just slightly modified water resistance and better mechanical properties of the films containing itaconic acid. Furthermore, film formation monitoring has been carried out by Differential Scanning Calorimety (DSC), showing that itaconic acid is able to retain more strongly the water molecules during the water losing process, improving its hydroplasticization capacity.

The Role of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate on the Film Properties of Styrene-Butyl Acrylate-Acrylic Acid Copolymer Latex

In this study, the concentration effect of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as a surfactant in the synthesis of styrene/acrylic acid/butyl acrylate copolymer (SAC) latex particles via seeded emulsion polymerization technique was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), minimum film-forming temperature (MFFT), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques were used to explain the change on physicochemical properties and morphology. The main goal is to determine an optimal surfactant concentration to obtain latexes with low MFFT. DLS studies showed that the particle size decreases 118.30 to 75.18 nm with the increase of SLS concentration. MFFT of latexes decreased with increasing SLS concentration. From the TGA curves, it was found that all the SAC latex particles exhibit a three-step decomposition process. The observed single Tg values for SAC particles showed that the latexes were prepared successfully.

Influence of Lowered Temperature on Efficiency of Concrete Repair with Polymer-Cement Repair Mortars.

This paper presents research dealing with the evaluation of the efficiency of concrete repairs with polymer-cement mortars made at low temperatures with two types of cement and modified by copolymer acrylic-styrene. The low temperature used for the tests, of about 8 °C, is representative for Central Europe, and was established based on the analysis of mean temperatures in Poland during the last 45 years. A comparative analysis of the basic properties of the mortar tested, important from the point of view of repair efficiency, was performed, i.e., flexural and compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, adhesion to the substrate, and porosity for mortars applied and cured at 8 °C and 21°, respectively. The studies were conducted using standard methods and supported with an assessment of microscopic images (1000× magnification). It was shown that when the temperature of polymer-cement composite (PCC) mortar application is lowered to values slightly exceeding the minimum film-forming temperature (MFT) temperature of the polymer modifier, the type of cement determines the effectiveness of the repair. Only for PCC mortar with CEM I sulfate-resistant types of cement was it possible to achieve the same strength parameters as at 21 °C, during 28 days of mortar curing, and at a lowered temperature. Starting from day seven of setting at both above-mentioned temperatures, a relation between the values of the flexural and compressive strength expressed as a quotient of these values, amounting to ca. 0.14–0.19, was found.

Poly (methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate)/nano-silica composite emulsions as efficient retanning agent for chrome-tanned leather

Retanning process aims at filling up of the meatuses of the already tanned leather through the incorporation of vegetable or synthetic tannins or polymer (resins) with the aim of giving more fullness and improving to the final product. In this research, poly(methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate) emulsion was prepared in situ with nano-silica in order to be used as a modern retanning agent of chrome tanned leather to totally replace chrome salt and to enhance physical, thermal shrinkage, and mechanical properties of the final tanned leather as well as to reduce the environmental impact of chrome tanning effluent. Polymer/nano-silica hybrid emulsions were prepared via in situ seed emulsion polymerisation. The prepared polymers were characterised for solid content, molecular weight, viscosity, drying time, minimum film-forming temperature (MFFT) and microstructures (via TEM). The mechanical, shrinkage, thermal and surface morphological (by SEM) properties of the treated samples were also investigated. The influence of the increase in the content of organic nano-silica on the properties of the retanned leather were also discussed.

Novel tanning agent based on silica-nanocomposite emulsion polymers

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is devoted to application of the emulsion polymer of poly(methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate) prepared with in situ nano-silica as a novel tanning agent of hide to partly or totally replace chrome salt and to improve physical, thermal and mechanical properties of the tanned leather and to reduce the environmental impact of chrome tanning effluent.Design/methodology/approachPolymer/nano-silica hybrid emulsions were prepared via in situ seed emulsion polymerisation. The prepared polymers were characterised for solid content, molecular weight, viscosity, drying time, minimum film-forming temperature (MFFT) and microstructures (via transmission electron microscopy). The mechanical, thermal and surface morphological (by scanning electron microscope) properties of the treated samples were also investigated. The influences of the increase in the content of organic nano-silica on the properties of the tanned leather are discussed.FindingsIt was found that the viscosity, the particle size and the solid content of the prepared polymers increased as the content of the nano-silica increased while gloss and drying time of the resulting polymer film decreased. Tanning buffalo hide by Polymer F (containing a high content of nano-silica) gave desirable properties in terms of tensile strength, thermal stability and shrinkage temperature.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper discusses the preparation and the characterisation of emulsion polymers with in situ nano-silica and their application in tanning process to enhance and improve the leather quality, as well as reduce the use of chrome tanning materials and consequently chrome tanning waste.Practical implicationsThe tanned leather showed an improvement of physico-mechanical properties and enhancement of thermal stability. Furthermore, the tanned leather has uniform colour, softness and firmness of grain. All these promising results provide evidence to support the applicability of the prepared co-polymer/nano-silica emulsions as an efficient tanning agent that also provides lubricating properties for leather.Originality/valueSince May 2015, REACH Annex XVII restricts Cr(VI) in leather articles or leather parts of articles that come into contact with skin to a concentration of less than 3 mg/kg. Cases of discovery of Cr(VI) in leather papers have been reported by the European rapid alert system on dangerous consumer products (RAPEX). The emulsion poly (methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate) with in situ nano-silica that has been developed via the study reported in this paper is one of the better technologies for the reduction of chromium ratio used in tanning industry.

Design and characterization of chitosan/citrate films as carrier for oral macromolecule delivery

The oral delivery of biopharmaceuticals requires the including of absorption enhancer, protease inhibitor and a suitable carrier system. The aim of the present work was to formulate and characterize chitosan solutions/films incorporating citric acid (CA) as potential excipient in comparison to the well-known acetic acid (AA)-based films as a reference. Films were made by the solvent casting method with/without glycerol (G), propylene glycol (PG) and polyethylene glycol (PEG-400) as plasticizers. The minimum film forming temperature (MFFT) of the prepared solutions, film thickness, hardness/deformation, mucoadhesivity, moisture content, FT-IR spectra and surface free energy (SFE) were investigated. Chitosan has been reported as a safe and effective paracellular absorption enhancer for hydrophilic macromolecules, therefore there would be more rationale for incorporating CA as a solubility enhancer, a permeation enhancer and an enzyme inhibitor. CA shows good cross-linking, an ideal plasticizing property and increases both tensile strength and mucoadhesivity, thus its incorporation simplifies the formulation while improving effectiveness. We concluded that CA (3.5, 4 and 5 w/v %)-based chitosan solution could be used as a novel coating/subcoating polymer for oral macromolecule delivery, or as oral mucoadhesive films.

Effect of coalescents on properties of protective styrene-acrylate latex coatings of oriented particle chipboards

It is necessary to note that in the production of finishing and protective materials for the surfaces of oriented chipboards, the most effective film former today is considered to be styrene-acrylate latex. However, the known styrene-acrylate dispersions have a minimum film formation temperature within 14–20 ° C, which doesn’t satisfy mass construction works. In order to obtain high-quality films in a wide range of temperatures, it is necessary to use special additives - coalescents. It was decided to use methoxypropanol, ethylene glycol and butyl glycol as coalescents. Their main selection criterion was the homogeneity of the resulting film and the absence of external defects. Based on the studies conducted, it was determined that the butyl glycol additive in the composition leads to the reduction in the elastic modulus of film coatings, which, in its turn, invariably leads to the increase in the relative elongation at break. The butyl glycol additive also enhances the film-forming and adhesive properties of styrene-acrylate latexes. According to the results of the experiments a composition with 4% wt. butyl glycol content as a coalescent was selected for further research.

Assessment of vinyl acetate polyurethane-based graft terpolymers for emulsion coatings: Synthesis and characterization

Hybrid oligomers composed of polyurethane methacrylate (PUMA) and polyurethane acrylate (PUA) were synthesized by poly addition polymerization of polypropylene glycol (PPG 1000), 2,4- and 2,6-toluen diisocyanate (TDI 80/20) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate. Isopropanol was served as the isocyanate blocking agent. The grafting of either PUMA or PUA oligomers to the vinyl acetate monomer was implemented for the first time for improving the properties of the produced PU-co-VAc or (PUPMA or PUPA) terpolymers as new binders for emulsion coating formulations. The synthesized terpolymers were characterized with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), minimum film forming temperature (MFFT), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Zeta potential and mechanical properties. It has been shown that properties of the terpolymers and their corresponding films were greatly influenced by the grafting of PUMA and PUA at a low concentration level (5 wt%). Cured films of PU based vinyl acetate (PUPMA or PUPA) exhibited higher thermal stability and less weight loss compared to the vinyl acetate copolymer (PVAC). The synthesized PUPMA and PUPA terpolymers revealed enhanced efficiency as binders for emulsion paints in comparison to the PVAC copolymer.

VIS-optical reflectometry: a method to investigate latex-based coatings

In many applications, water-based dispersions of polymeric particles are dried under well-defined environmental conditions and/or technologies to form a continuous thin layer with special properties and morphology. The aim of this work is to present a recently developed noninvasive technique based on optical reflectometry in visible range used to study the film formation from aqueous mixtures layered up to 25 μm thickness. The sample holder is made of crystalline silicon (c-Si) because the interference fringes generated by the optical beams reflected at the air/liquid sample and liquid sample/c-Si are vital in determining the sample thickness. For the polymeric colloids with minimum film formation temperature higher than the room temperature, the setup is used to determine the evaporation rate and the temperature film formation. The versatility of the experimental setup is increased by a controlled temperature of the sample holder and a controlled microclimate chamber (temperature and relative humidity). Investigations on various aqueous dispersions considering the composition, the viscosity of the liquid, and different types of polymeric colloidal particles have been performed, and some results are discussed here. New challenges lie in analyzing the outputs of the experiments considering the interparticle distance and interparticle interferences.