Polymerization of high-solids-content acrylic latexes using a nonionic polymerizable surfactant

Stable high-solid s-content methyl methacrylate/butyl acryl ate latexes with small particle sizes (in the range of 150-180 nm) were obtained with a nonionic polymerizable surfactant (surfmer). Three percent of surfmer with respect to monomer was proven to be enough for the stabilization of the latexes. The influence of different operational variables on the stabilization of the final latex was analyzed, and the conditions needed to obtain coagulum-free latex were assessed. The inorganic potassium persulfate/sodium metabisulfite initiator system provided better stability than the organic tert-butyl hydroperoxide/ascorbic acid as a result of the end groups. In addition, the feeding of acrylic acid during the second half of the polymerization improved the stability of the final latex. The reduction of the feeding time was effective in the stabilization. Proof of the surfmer incorporation into the particles is presented. (C) 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.