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Emulsion Polymerization Using Switchable Surfactants: A Route Towards Water Redispersable Latexes
Author(s) -
Su Xin,
Fowler Candace,
O'Neill Catherine,
Pinaud Julien,
Kowal Erica,
Jessop Philip,
Cunningham Michael
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
macromolecular symposia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.257
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-3900
pISSN - 1022-1360
DOI - 10.1002/masy.201300090
Subject(s) - emulsion polymerization , polystyrene , chemical engineering , materials science , emulsion , polymer , methyl methacrylate , polymerization , aqueous solution , polymer chemistry , aqueous two phase system , colloid , chemistry , organic chemistry , composite material , engineering
Summary Colloidal latexes of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) have been prepared by emulsion polymerization using amidine‐based switchable surfactants. Particles with sizes ranging from 50 nm to 350 nm were obtained. Destabilization of the latexes requires only air and heat which destabilize the latex by removing CO 2 from the system. The resulting micron sized particles can be easily filtered to yield a dry polymer powder and a clear aqueous phase. We have also developed a new benign means of reversibly coagulating anionic latexes by using “switchable water”, an aqueous solution of switchable ionic strength. The addition of CO 2 and switchable water to an anionic latex can result in aggregation of the latex. Subsequent removal of CO 2 by sparging with air allows the aggregated latex to be redispersed and recovered in its original state.