Hybrid Polystyrene/Polybutadiene Latexes With Low Environmental Impact. Issue 1 (12th October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ronco, Ludmila Irene; Minari, Roque Javier; Gugliotta, Luis Marcelino
• Other Names: Paulis María guestEditor.; Asua José M. guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Macromolecular reaction engineering. Volume 10:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 38
• Publication Date: 2015-10-12
• Subjects: miniemulsion polymerization -- polybutadiene -- polystyrene -- post‐polymerization -- VOCs reduction; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Reaction mechanisms (Chemistry) -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1002/mren.201500021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1862-832X

Abstract

Abstract : The polybutadiene incorporation in waterborne polystyrene nanoparticles by miniemulsion polymerization improves the toughness of the final product. Unfortunately, the polymerization does not proceed to completion, remaining a high level of unreacted monomer. This work addresses the implementation of two post‐treatment methods to efficiently remove the residual styrene from polybutadiene/polystyrene latexes with 50% of solid content: i) post‐polymerization with redox initiators; and ii) post‐polymerization by thermal initiation of styrene at high temperature (≥120 °C). The mechanisms responsible of the effects of both post‐treatments on the properties of hybrid materials are here discussed. Abstract : The efficient reduction of residual styrene from high solids (50%) polybutadiene/polystyrene hybrid latexes is achieved by two post‐polymerization strategies: (i) employing redox initiators; and (ii) by thermal self‐initiation of St at high temperature (≥120 °C). The effect of both strategies on volatile organics content, latex stability, polymer microstructure, particle morphology, and mechanical properties of hybrid materials is analyzed.