(172a) Aspects of Latex Particle Size Control for Improved Water Blush Resistance | AIChE

(172a) Aspects of Latex Particle Size Control for Improved Water Blush Resistance

Authors 

Starostina, N. - Presenter, Pacific Nanotechnology Inc.
Harvey, S. - Presenter, Ashland Specialty Chemical Company


Latex films have a tendency to blush when exposed to water. The swelling of trapped hydrophilic material, resulting in pockets with different refractive indices is proposed as a possible model for blushing. A pressure sensitive latex was developed based on this model. The blush was improved by choice of surfactant and control of particle diameter. The resulting latex has an unusual particle growth behavior, during polymerization. The particle size distribution was characterized by dynamic light scattering ( DLS), methods of electron microscopy ( SEM/TEM) and with the help of atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM data are in a good agreement with our growth model. A possible explanation, based on competitive growth of dissimilar particle diameters is proposed.