Synthesis of a glucose-based surfmer and its copolymerization with n-butyl acrylate for emulsion pressure sensitive adhesives

• The glucose was modified to make it useful in emulsion copolymerization.
• Synthesized BGMAH was used as surfmer in an emulsion polymerization.
• BGMAH increases the average number of free radicals per particle.
• BGMAH was an appropriate substitute for acrylates in the PSA recipe.
• Due to the addition of BGMAH the adhesion properties were improved.

A glucose-based vinyl surfmer, i.e. butyl polyglucoside maleic acid ester (BGMAH), was synthesized and characterized. Macroemulsion copolymerization of BGMAH with n-butyl acrylate (n-BA) was investigated. The structure of the synthesized BGMAH was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and a series of 2-D homo- and heteronuclear NMR spectra. Its surfactant properties were confirmed by determination of the critical micelle concentration. The semi-batch emulsion copolymerization was monitored in situ using FTIR spectroscopy. The particle size and its distribution of the emulsions and the gel phase of the polymers were determined. The glass transition temperatures were assessed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The obtained emulsions were tested for potential application in pressure sensitive adhesives by measuring the adhesion properties of copolymer films (peel strength, tack and shear resistance). It was found that synthetic acrylates could be replaced by the modified glucose in the emulsion polymerization recipe. The adhesion properties were improved when 25 wt% of BGMAH was added in reaction mixture.

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