Core‐shell and interpenetrating‐network PU/AC hybrids: synthesis and comparison – waterborne polyurethane/polyacrylate hybrid dispersions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to synthesise polyurethane/polyacrylate (PU/AC) core‐shell hybrid latex by emulsion polymerisation (PUA) and interpenetrating hybrid latex by soap‐free emulsion polymerisation techniques latex interpenetrating polymer networks (LIPN) and to compare their physico‐chemical and thermo‐mechanical properties.Design/methodology/approach – The interactions between the PU and AC components in hybrid coatings were studied with infrared spectroscopy. Mechanical properties were determined by measuring Shore A hardness, pencil hardness and flexibility of dried films. A particle size analyser and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the morphology of hybrid resins. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were performed to investigate the thermal stability of polymeric films.Findings – The core‐shell hybrids had better physico‐chemical and thermo‐mechanical properties than LIPN hybrids, attributing better interpenetration and entanglement ...