Colloidal and thermal properties of poly(hydroxyethyl caprolactone acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate)-g-pullulan latex obtained by seeded semi-batch emulsion polymerization

In this study, the influence that the monomer composition of hydroxyethyl caprolactone acrylate/methyl methacrylate (HECLA/MMA) has on the properties of the latex films, including contact angle, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical properties was evaluated. The polymerization process to obtain small particle sizes, good colloidal stability, and polymer films was optimized through the use of pullulan (Pull) and different ratios of HECLA and MMA. The results revealed a substantial impact of the monomer composition and polymerization processes on the particle size and latex film properties. The use of seed latex obtained in situ reduces particle size and particle size distribution. Additionally, it was observed that the contact angle of the polymer films increased as the concentration of HECLA increased. Furthermore, the water absorption of the polymer films exhibited a decreasing trend after reaching an 80/20 monomer composition of HECLA/MMA. An increase in HECLA contents in the recipe showed a reduction in tensile strength, elastic modulus, hardness, and elongation at break. Conversely, higher HECLA contents contributed to improving the thermal properties of the polymer films. Finally, the optimal ratio of HECLA/MMA to improve the thermal degradation and tensile mechanical properties of the polymer film was 50/50 wt%. The results found in this work allow additional data for producing poly(HECLA-co-MMA)-g-Pull latexes by manipulating the ratios of HECLA and MMA, which can create new potential applications in various industrial settings for a wide range of polysaccharides.