Synthesis and Characterization of Colloidally Stable Self-crosslinking Water-based Anticorrosive Polymer at Room Temperature

Abstract

The emulsion polymerization of butyl acrylate (BuA), styrene (St), and 3-isopropenyl-α,α-dimethylbenzyl isocyanate (IPMBI) is presented in this work. Obtain colloidally stable latexes for the poly (BuA/St/IPMBI) system during polymerization and storage for use in a water-based coating formulation. A series of semicontinuous polymerizations were also performed to investigate the effect of comonomer composition (w/w) in the feed (BuA/St) on conversion. The particle diameter (Dp), particle number (Np), hydrolysis of the IPMBI’s isocyanate groups, stability and storage properties. Films were created in which the effect of comonomer composition was also investigated, the glass transition temperature (Tg) was determined, the gel content was selected, and the mechanical properties and capacity as a barrier to water vapour and oxygen were assessed. Another series of reactions, on the other hand, was carried out in which the effect of the IPMBI content (1.5, 3.5, and 5.5%) was studied using a constant composition BuA/St=60/40. The studies conducted are the same as those mentioned for the effect of comonomer composition in feed. With increasing IPMBI percentage, slight differences in conversion, Dp, and Np were observed; the latices undergo hydrolysis during polymerization and storage. Colloidal stability, on the other hand, was preserved. The mechanical properties of the films improved as the percentage of IPMBI increased, while the boundary characteristics to moisture and oxygen improved when compared to the white film (0% of IPMBI). Finally, the formulation of a self-crosslinking water-based coating at room temperature using the previously obtained latex as a binder is reported; the coating demonstrated excellent adhesion, scratch hardness, and gloss regardless of the type of latex used.