Frontiers in emulsion polymerization for coatings

摘要

Emulsion polymerization is the most important industrial polymerization process for the manufacturing of water based latex polymers. The many applications of latices include adhesives, textile and non-woven binders, paper coatings, caulk and sealants, and most importantly, architectural and industrial coatings. The heterogeneous nature of the synthetic process requires the diffusion of monomers from the emulsified monomer droplets, through the aqueous medium, into the polymer particles for the ensuing polymerization. Adequate solubility of the monomers is essential for the diffusion process to proceed effectively. Consequently, very hydrophobic monomers with extremely low water solubility cannot be readily incorporated by emulsion polymerization.