Latex film formation studied with the atomic force microscope: Influence of aging and annealing

The surface structure of latex dispersion films was examined with an atomic force microscope. All measurements were done in air on latex films having a minimum film formation temperature of 12°C and a glass transition temperature of 18°C. One aim of this study was to follow structural changes during film formation. Three minutes after spreading the film, its surface layer dried. Afterwards, the structure of the film did not change anymore. Only after 4 months could structural changes be observed: Though individual latex particles could be identified, the particles partly melted into one another.After annealing films at 50° or 60°C for 4 h, the latex particles partly melted into one another, but individual particles could still be identified. When annealing at or above 80°C, no individual latex particles were visible anymore. With increasing temperature the film roughness decreased from 3 nm without annealing to 0.8 nm at 100°C annealing temperature. In addition, islands of 2–4 nm thickness appeared on the film surface. These islands could be scraped off the film by increasing the force between tip and sample, indicating that they are composed of surfactant which was squeezed out of the film.     

Rheological Behavior of Epoxy Resin Concentrated Dispersions

IntroductionWaterbornedispersionsofpolymerresinswithlow(orzero)contentofvolatileorganiccompoundshavereceivedmuchat'tentionowingtoincreasinglystrictenvironmentalandecologicalregulations.BisphenolAepoxyresinisacondensationpolymerofanextensivescopeofapplicationssuchasincomposites,coatings,adhesives.Therefore,thepreparationoftheepoxyresinwaterbornedispersionsisveryinteresting.Recently,wehavesuccessfullypreparedtheepoxyresinwaterbornedispersionswithhighsolidcontentbyphaseinversionemulsificationtec…     

镶嵌型乳胶粒子的合成

以苯乙烯、甲基丙烯酸甲酯、丙烯腈等单体或它们的混合物为硬单体,天然胶乳为弹性组分,经多步种子乳液聚合法制得了在天然胶乳的粒子上镶嵌硬聚合物相的互穿网络型乳胶粒子.考察了十二烷基硫酸钠、十二烷基苯磺酸钠、壬基酚聚氧乙烯醚、油酸等乳化体系,过硫酸钾、过氧化苯甲酰热引发体系及异丙苯过氧化氢-四乙烯五胺、叔丁基过氧化氢-四乙烯五胺等氧化还原引发体系对聚合反应的影响.研究了交联剂用量对互穿结合率、溶胶含量的影响及溶胀时间、硬单体组成、乳化剂种类对乳胶粒子形态的影响,确定了适宜的聚合配方和工艺条件.透射电镜观察乳粒形态结果表明,单一使用极性或非极性单体,仅得到核-壳结构乳液,而采用不同极性单体复合、溶胀、互穿,得到的是镶嵌硬聚合物型乳粒结构.     

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.     

Scaling in Electrical Conductivity Measurements and Rheological Measurements of Monarch 700 Dispersions Stabilized by Polymers

For making stable dispersions of graphitic carbon black (Monarch 700), the effectiveness of three dispersants/polymers (hypermer LP1, hypermer B246, and OLOA 11000) in xylene is investigated. Hypermer LP1 (polyhydroxystearic acid) is a homopolymer and hypermer B246 (PEG 30-dipolyhydroxystearate) is a polyhydroxystearic acid/polyethylene oxide/polyhydroxystearic acid ABA block copolymer, while OLOA 11000 (polyisobutylene succinimide) has a polar head group (polyamine) attached to a hydrocarbon chain (polyisobutylene). Well-dispersed graphitic carbon black dispersions were prepared using dispersants at optimum concentrations. Percolation threshold and rheological threshold were determined by analyzing the variations in electrical conductivity and elastic modulus with concentration of carbon black. Above threshold concentration, scaling law was applied to experimental data of rheology (dynamic measurements) and electrical conductivity measurements to evaluate quality of the system. Effectiveness of polymers was investigated on the basis of value of critical exponent (t and t′, respectively) in scaling power law. Hypermer LP1 was proved to be a poor dispersant for Monarch 700 dispersions while other two polymers were found to be effective stabilizers.     

Preparation and Characterization of Polymer Core Shell Latex Particles

Stable core‐shell latex was synthesized by semicontinuous seeded emulsion polymerization with core monomers consisting of styrene (St), butyl acrylate (BA), and shell monomers consisting of methyl methacrylate (MMA), eutyl acrylate (EA), and methacrylic acid (MAA). The effects of compound emulsifier amount, mass ratio of anionic/nonionic emulsifier, and initiator amount on latex performance were investigated. By particle size analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation, results suggest that final latex particles have clearly core shell structures.     

剪切流动对聚合物共混物相行为影响的研究进展

剪切流动对聚合物共混物相行为影响的研究进展;综述     

Self-emulsifying Hydroxy Acrylic Polymer Dispersions for Two Component Waterborne Polyurethane Coatings

Novel self-emulsifying acrylic polymer aqueous dispersions (NPAD) for two component waterborne polyurethane coatings (2K-WPU) were prepared by the emulsification of self-emulsifying polymer blends in water, which the polymer blends typically consist of two acrylic polymers, one is a salt group containing polymer (P1), the other is a polymer without salt groups (P2). The dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis showed that the NPAD have a bimodal particle size distribution and the particle diameters can be controlled by the amount of salt group containing polymer and the concentration of salt groups in this polymer. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images also testified that the NPADs possess small particles consisted of P1 and core-shell structure large particles which are composed of the P1 in the shell parts and the P2 in the core parts. The property comparisons of the NPAD, conventional polyacrylic dispersion (CPAD) and poylacrylic emulsion (PAE) for 2K-WPU disclosed that the NPADs possess higher solid contents up to 45 wt% and much lower carboxy salt contents than those of the CPAD, and the NPAD-based 2K-WPU films display much better performance including 90% of the gloss, 0.81 of the pendulum hardness, much better solvent- and water-resistance than those of the CPAD and PAE. The TGA curves indicated the NPAD-based 2K-WPU films display good thermal stability.     

一种新型塑料增韧剂——核壳结构聚合物

本文综述了核－壳结构聚合物用于通用塑料和工程塑料增韧的最新进展，并对该领域的研究进行了模型。     

多孔结构聚合物乳胶粒

介绍了多孔结构乳胶粒的制备方法、表征手段以及成孔机理。着重阐述了“碱酸分段处理法”中不饱和酸与交联剂的种类与用量、以及碱酸处理条件等因素对乳胶粒成孔的影响。     

Latex interpenetrating polymer networks: From structure to properties

Latex interpenetrating and semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (LIPNs and semi-LIPNs) combine the morphological characteristics of bulk-polymerized IPNs with the characteristics of polymers produced by emulsion polymerization; there are IPN structures within the latex particles. These LIPNs can be injection-molded using standard thermoplastic methods and machinery. A dual thermoset—thermoplastic nature characterizing the LIPN manifests itself in the mechanical and rheological behavior reflecting unique morphologies. These morphologies result from a sequential two-stage latex (TSL) polymerization and include core—shell, domain, interpenetrating polymer networks and various other combinations. Elastomeric TSL with crosslinked polyacrylates (xPA) as the first stage and crosslinked polystyrene (xPS) as the second, each stage lightly crosslinked, yield IPN-nano-domain structural particles. Upon molding, the particles become interconnected by joint PS nanodomains, introducing a particle—particle strength-forming mechanism. The intraparticle glassy PS nanodomains reinforce the soft elastomeric particles enhancing their modulus. Glassy “all-styrene” semi-LIPNs made of PS and xPS show improved mechanical performance compared to PS, while exhibiting good transparency. Volumetric crazing in these PS/xPS materials develops in tension-improving elongation and strength. The presence of xPS particles, denser and thus stiffer than the PS matrix, renders a higher modulus. Essentially xPS highly filled blends are achieved along with significant particle—matrix interactions. The ability to generate a controlled plethora of morphologies offers a wealth of potential applications, from reinforced elastomers to high impact plastics. Poly(acrylonitrile—butadiene—styrene), a semi-LIPN, is a commodity plastic, clearly demonstrating the utilization potential of the TSL procedure for generating very fine multiphase materials of scientific and technological merits.     

Influence of Emulsifiers on Acrylate Latex Blends

The poly(methyl methacrylate/butyl acrylate/acrylic acid) [P(MMA/BA/AA)] and poly (styrene/butyl acrylate/acrylic acid) [P(St/BA/AA)] latexes were synthesized using the emulsifier octylphenol polyoxyethylene(10) ether (OP-10) and ammonium sulfate allyloxy nonylphenoxy poly(ethyleneoxy)(10) ether(DNS-86). The optimum amount of OP-10 and DNS-86 was 1.5% and 2.5% respectively. The P(MMA/BA/AA) and P(St/BA/AA) latex containing 1.5% OP-10 or 2.5% DNS-86 were blended pairwise. The performances of latex blends and parent latexes as a function of emulsifiers content in parent latexes were determined. The results indicated that the stability of latex blends is favorable, and particle size distribution was more uniform and thermal stability was improved after blending.     

Divergent Shear Thinning and Shear Thickening Behavior of Supramolecular Polymer Networks in Semidilute Entangled Polymer Solutions

The steady shear behavior of metallo-supramolecular polymer networks formed by bis-Pd(II) cross-linkers and semidilute entangled solutions of poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PVP) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) is reported. The steady shear behavior of the networks depends on the dissociation rate and association rate of the cross-linkers, the concentration of cross-linkers, and the concentration of the polymer solution. The divergent steady shear behavior-shear thinning versus shear thickening-of samples with identical structure but different cross-linker dynamics (J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2010, 1, 1683-1686) is further explored in this paper. The divergent steady shear behavior for networks with different cross-linkers is connected to a competition between different time scales: the average time that a cross-linker remains open (τ(1)) and the local relaxation time of a segment of polymer chain (τ(segment)). When τ(1) is larger than τ(segment), shear thickening is observed. When τ(1) is smaller than τ(segment), only shear thinning is observed.     

Preparation of Covalently‐colored Polymer Latex via Batch Emulsion Polymerization

Covalently‐colored polymer latex was synthesized via batch emulsion copolymerization of styrene, butyl acrylate and methacrylic acid in the presence of red polymerizable dye monomer consisting of anthraquinone chromophore, alkyl spacer and acryloyl group, and the influences of the initiator, surfactant and polymerizable dye on the polymerization and the latex properties were investigated. Results showed that the initiator amount was a determinative factor for the monomer conversion, and a high conversion of the polymerizable dye could be achieved when the ammonium persulfate amount was equal to or more than 1 wt% to the total monomers. Most of the chromophores were covalently bonded to the polymer chains if the polymerizable dye was used in the range of 0–1.5 wt%. The light fastness of the resulting latex film was much better than that of the noncovalently‐colored polymer film.     

毛细压力法组装纳米聚合物微球的二维有序排列

通过半连续乳液聚合的方法获得了单分散性好,数均粒径为７０６９ｎｍ的苯乙烯,丙烯酸丁酯和丙烯酸（Ｓｔ／ＢＡ／ＡＡ）高分子微球,并通过毛细压力法,成功地在玻璃基体上组装成了紧密的二维有序排列点阵结构．点阵结构的形成过程可分为成核和增长两个阶段．在二维有序排列形成过程中,微粒之间的相互排斥作用可通过添加一定浓度的电解质来进行调节．组装后的二维有序排列用扫描电镜进行了观察．     

Redispersibility of Acrylate Polymer Powder and Stability of Its Reconstituted Latex

The acrylate redispersible polymer powder (RPP) was produced from acrylate latex via spray drying, which was synthesized by latex polymerization with the configuration of soft core and hard shell. The powder's redispersibility and stability of its reconstituted latex were achieved through incorporating monomer methacrylic acid (MAA), which has functional carboxyl group and can provide an ionization effect in alkaline range. The influence of pH value and MAA amount on the redispersibility and stability were studied. The stabilization mechanism for reconstituted latex was also investigated. The acrylate RPP has good redispersibility at MAA of 4–5% and pH values between 9.0 and 10.0. The reconstituted latex is stable at these conditions due to high zeta potential and strong electrostatic repulsion force.     

Sub‐Micrometer Sized Hairy Latex Particles Synthesized by Dispersion Polymerization Using Hydrophilic Macromolecular RAFT Agents

Dispersion polymerization of n‐butyl acrylate has been performed in a mixture of ethanol and water in the presence of poly(N‐acryloylmorpholine) (polyNAM). These hydrophilic polymer chains are synthesized by the RAFT process and thus incorporate well‐defined chain ends. The dithioester ω‐end group is used as an efficient chain transfer agent under dispersion polymerization conditions to produce hairy poly(n‐butyl acrylate) latex particles. Moreover, pre‐functionalization of the polyNAM chains on the α‐end by a carbohydrate derivative is also achieved to obtain directly functionalized particles according to the same strategy.

     

核-壳型聚丙烯酸酯复合乳液

简述了核-壳型聚丙烯酸酯复合乳液的合成方法、形态及其影响因素与判断方法、结构与性能等方面的研究进展;认为核-壳型复合乳液膜机械性能优良的原因是:核、壳两相间存在的过渡区适当地抑制了二者的相分离。