Open AccessAspects of Latex Particle Size Control for Improved Water Blush Resistance
Author(s) -
Starostin Natasha,
Harvey Scott,
Carlson Gary
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
scanning
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.359
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1932-8745
pISSN - 0161-0457
DOI - 10.1002/sca.20085
Subject(s) - dynamic light scattering , particle (ecology) , atomic force microscopy , materials science , particle size , polymerization , pulmonary surfactant , scanning electron microscope , particle size distribution , swelling , chemical engineering , composite material , nanotechnology , polymer , nanoparticle , oceanography , engineering , geology
Latex films have a tendency to “blush” when exposed to water. The swelling of trapped hydrophilic material, which results in pockets with different refractive indices, is proposed as a possible model for blushing. A pressure‐sensitive latex was developed on the basis of this model. The blush was improved by the choice of the surfactant and control of the particle diameter. The resulting latex has an unusual particle growth behavior during polymerization. The particle size distribution (PSD) was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), electron microscopy (SEM/TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The data are in a good agreement with our proposed growth model. SCANNING 30: 000–000, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.