Synthesis of amphiphilic copolymers based on acrylates by free-radical polymerization and their application in alkyd emulsions

Novel amphiphilic copolymers which contained poly(ethylene glycol) side-chain, long-chain alkyl pendant groups, and carboxyl groups have been synthesized by the conventional free-radical copolymerization of special monomers. The products were characterized by analysis of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), and H-1 NMR. Based on the measurement of surface tension of aqueous copolymer solutions with various concentrations at an air/water interface, the critical micelle concentrations (CMC) was found to be lower along with the increase of copolymer concentration. Experimental results showed that CMC of this kind of amphiphilic polymer appeared in the range of 0.01 similar to0.1 g/L. The amphiphilic polymer was mixed with an anionic surfactant (SDBS) in different proportions at aqueous solution and then successfully used in the preparation of alkyd emulsions. The results were compared with those of alkyd emulsions without polymeric surfactant. Steric stabilization of amphiphilic polymer was investigated by the observation of the stability of alkyd emulsions. The emulsions were stable after resting at ambient temperature for four months.