Heterogeneity in Alkyd/Acrylate Materials Produced Via Hybrid Miniemulsion Polymerization

摘要

In many applications, the development of nanostructure is a desirable goal. This work details the undesirable development of nanostructure in submicron alkyd/acrylic latex particles due to microdomain phase separation. In these systems, produced by hybrid miniemulsion polymerization, the oil or alkyd portion provides the crosslinking mechanism, providing these water-based systems with the durability normally found in oil-based coatings. The segregation of the oil or alkyd component into the center of the particle inhibits crosslinking during film formation, and is detrimental to the product. In addition, the microdomain phase separation causes incomplete conversion of the acrylic monomer, termed limiting conversion. This paper explores the causes of the phase separations, and proposes some solutions.