Synthesis and characterization of comb-like acrylic-based polymer latexes containing nano-sized crystallizable domains

- Semicrystalline waterborne dispersions synthesized by two-step miniemulsion polymerizations.
- The crystalline domains introduced by polymerization of long side chain acylate.
- Crystallinity, microstructure, and morphology affected by polymerization strategies.
- Phase separation of crystalline domains occurred during film formation above the melting temperature.
- Transparency of the films decreased with the size and number of crystalline domains.

The synthesis in a two step miniemulsion polymerization of (meth)acrylic dispersions containing crystalline domains was investigated. The first step consisted of the homopolymerization of stearyl acrylate (SA), which led to formation of crystalline domains. The degree of crystallinity was controlled by the conversion of SA achieved in the first step and by the way in which the short side chain (meth)acrylates (a mixture of methyl methacrylate, n-butyl acrylate and acrylic acid) were fed in the second step. The effect of the polymerization strategy and comonomer composition on crystallinity, polymer architecture, and particle and film morphology was investigated.

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