In architectural paint applications, the main challenge for suppliers and paint producers is to meet environmental regulations while producing products with acceptable quality. In recent years, latex companies have formulated polymers with glass transition temperatures (Tg) of 0 °C to 5 °C to form a paint film with zero or minimal coalescents. However, these soft polymers have some shortcomings for freeze/thaw, block and dirt pick-up resistance.
While certain characteristics, such as dirt pick-up resistance, are more dependent on the monomer composition and ratio, additives such as multifunctional neutralizing agents can influence properties, including package stability, freeze/thaw and scrub resistance.