This article discusses relating the colloidal stability of latexes to the ionic strength of the aqueous phase via the “critical coagulation concentration.
Salt ions affect the thickness of the "double layer" around the particles. As the double layer shrinks, the latex particles can move around more easily, and the result is a lower viscosity latex.
Did you know that differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) can be an important, even critical, analytical tool for determining the morphology of composite latex particles?
Case studies show that the selection of an appropriate coalescent for applications in latex paints must be supported by appropriate, extensive laboratory tests.
Recent research conducted at Iowa State University has developed an innovative coating additive made from amphiphilic Janus particles that can alter the surface properties of a waterborne coating system.
A new binder for water-based wood trim paints is based on a heterogeneous acrylic polymer structure. It combines excellent flexibility and high blocking resistance, while maintaining low VOC content.
The average molecular weight of a latex can be influenced by a number of factors, but it is often not realized that the number of particles in the latex (which is directly related to particle size) is important in determining molecular weight.
Silanes have been shown to improve film properties of resin systems when they are reacted into the resin or incorporated into a resin solution as additives. The improved properties result from their unique functionality, which allows for inter-polymer crosslinking and chemical bond¬ing to many substrates.
We have been working on morphology control in latex particles for many years and have come to learn that achieving desired structures in composite particles is dependent not only upon the emulsion polymerization recipe, but also strongly upon the reaction process conditions.
Maxemul reactive surfactants act as efficient emulsifiers providing colloidal stability and are chemically bonded to the polymer particles during free radical polymerization. The enhanced stability and mitigation of surfactant leaching during and after film forming significantly improve water resistance and barrier properties of the latex binder as a replacement of conventional surfactants.