Performance of Room Temperature Cross-Linkable Acrylic Latexes Synthesized Using DAAM and AAEMA Functional Monomers

Different acrylic latexes were synthesized using acetoacetoxy ethyl methacrylate (AAEM) and diacetone acrylamide (DAAM) functional monomers (in concentration of 0.5 wt% of monomers) through seeded semi-continuous emulsion polymerization. Adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH) and 1,3-diaminopropane (DAP) were added as crosslink agents to the synthesized DAAM-acrylic and AAEM-acrylic, respectively to prepare two components in one-pot latexes. Crosslink reactions were carried out at room temperature during the process of latex film formation. Mechanical properties of the crosslink films were evaluated via pendulum hardness measurements and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Cross-linking was proved through increase in hardness, storage modulus at rubbery plateau, and Tg values. In addition, the results showed improved mechanical properties in latex films formed from DAAM-acrylics in comparison to those formed from AAEM–acrylics.