Hybrid acrylic-polyurethane latexes: Emulsion versus miniemulsion polymerization

Two kinds of hybrid acrylic-polyurethane (PUA) latexes are compared according to their synthesis and properties. The acrylic part is a copolymer of styrene, methyl methacrylate, and butyl acrylate. The PUAs are based on the polycondensation of isophorone diisocyanate and poly(propylene glycol) using butanediol and ethylene diamine as chain extenders. The first class result from the polymerization of miniemulsions of solutions of PU in the mixture of monomers using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator at 80 degrees C. In the second class PUs modified by neutralized dimethylolpropionic acid are used as seeds and emulsifiers for emulsion polymerization of the monomer mixtures initiated with azobisisobutyronitrile at 75 degrees C. The polymerization kinetics are compared, as well as the morphology of the latex particles. Films are obtained upon coalescence of these latexes, and the surface composition of these films and their tensile properties are studied. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.