Latex Film Formation in the Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope

Summary: Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) was used to study the film formation mechanisms and extent of coalescence of three acrylic latex compositions with different glass transition temperatures (T_g), here defined as standard-low T_g, standard-high T_g (both carboxymethyl cellulose- stabilised) and novel (stabilised with a novel polysaccharide derived from agricultural waste). The ESEM analysis revealed that the microstructure of the standard – low-T_g system consisted of individual particles in dispersion and upon evaporation a continuous film formed, whereas in the case of the standard - high T_g latex particle deformation was not observed, but particle aggregation resulted in the formation of crystal-like structures that have formed via the formation of stacking faults. However, in the case of the novel system the microstructure consisted of individual particles and clusters and during evaporation a discontinuous film formed with voids present within its structure and some of the clusters accumulating on the surface of the specimens.