Preparation of Acrylate Latex via RAFT Soap-Free Emulsion Polymerization

Without effects of residual surfactants, soap-free emulsion polymerization products could have better physical and chemical properties, mechanical properties and water resistance compared with those prepared via conventional emulsion polymerization. In this work, soap-free reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate and n-butyl acrylate was successfully accomplished in the presence of poly (acrylic acid-b-styrene)-b-trithiocarbonate as surfactant and RAFT agent. Effect of NaOH aqueous solution neutralizing agent on polymerization process and the properties of latex and film were studied. The results showed that the addition of NaOH aqueous solution affected the polymerization process and the particle size of polyacrylate latex. Moreover, the water contact angle and the water absorption ratio of the latex film could reach 90° and 3.9%, respectively, by controlling the dosage of NaOH.