Attributes of the latex emulsion processing and its role in morphology and performance in paints

This article explores the influence of process variation and neutralization of itaconic acid (IA) on polymer properties and paint performance. The study elaborated how the reaction pathway changes the acid distribution in the latexes. The study also investigated the influence on paint performance of degree of neutralization of IA before its incorporation into emulsion. The acid distribution study was done through the conductometric titration method. Latex film properties were studied through differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and minimum film forming temperature (MFFT). These latexes were formulated in the corresponding paint and study was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which was further correlated with the performance properties of the paint such as scrub, gloss, whiteness and contrast ratio.

► We studied the effect of reaction pathway on the acid distribution in the latexes emulsion polymerization.
► We examine the impact of this on performance properties of latex and hence on paint.
► The study also investigated the influence of degree of neutralization of IA on morphology, performance properties of the paints.