Polymeric Particle Stability via Copolymerized Macromers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymerizable surfactants used in latex paints face challenges such as low molecular weight, water solubility, and insufficient incorporation into polymeric particles, leading to instability and sensitivity issues in films formed from these particles.
Innovation Solution
The use of copolymerized macromers with a cloud point below the emulsion polymerization temperature, allowing for improved incorporation and stability by forming an aqueous dispersion of polymeric particles with specific ethylenically unsaturated monomers and macromers, enhancing stability and performance characteristics like gloss and image distinction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymerizable surfactants are used to improve stability, then stability is improved, but water solubility causes difficulty in incorporation into polymeric particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the surfactant from low (conventional) to high (macromer, 2,000-50,000 molecular weight). This parameter change transforms the surfactant's properties: it becomes less water-soluble and can be effectively incorporated into polymeric particles during emulsion polymerization, while still providing the desired stability benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by incorporating the macromer (polymerizable surfactant) into the polymeric particle matrix during emulsion polymerization. The macromer becomes part of the particle structure itself, combining the stabilizing function with the polymer matrix, thereby eliminating the problem of unincorporated surfactant causing water sensitivity
2Ease of operation
If unincorporated surfactant remains in the system, then ease of operation is maintained, but water sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary incorporation of the macromer into the polymeric particles during the emulsion polymerization process itself. By incorporating the surfactant-like macromer into the particles before film formation, the system prevents water sensitivity from developing in the first place, rather than trying to address it later
3Ease of manufacture
If low molecular weight surfactants are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but incorporation into polymeric particles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter from low (conventional surfactants) to high (macromers with 2,000-50,000 molecular weight). This parameter change fundamentally alters the surfactant's behavior during emulsion polymerization, enabling effective incorporation into polymeric particles while maintaining stability functionality
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly enhances the incorporation and stability of polymerizable surfactants, resulting in improved stability, solvent resistance, and performance attributes like higher gloss and better image distinction in the films formed from these particles.
Implementation Method 1
copolymerized macromers that have a cloud point below the temperature of the emulsion polymerization reaction
Implementation Method 2
emulsion polymerization reaction
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous dispersion of polymeric particles and process for making the aqueous dispersion are disclosed. The polymeric particles have at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a copolymerized macromer with a number average molecular weight of between 1,000 and 50,000 and a cloud point in water of between 25°C and 90°C.