Date Approved

4-6-2010

Date Posted

11-18-2010

Degree Type

Open Access Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department or School

College of Technology

Committee Member

Vijaykumar Mannari, PhD, Chair

Committee Member

Frank N. Jones, PhD

Committee Member

Mary L. Brake, PhD

Committee Member

Weidian Shen, PhD

Committee Member

Theodore Provder, PhD (Additional Member)

Abstract

Synthetic latexes have many product applications including functioning as a binder in paints and coatings. For many years, researchers in industry as well as in academe have been exploring various strategies to improve performance of acrylic latexes mainly to replace traditionally used solvent borne coatings due to increasing environmental concerns and strict governmental regulations. The main goal of the study is to investigate the effects of type (pre-coalescence or post-coalescence) and level of crosslinking, particle size (nano particle size ~ 20-25 nm vs. conventional particle size ~ 120-130 nm) and distribution, glass transition temperature (Tg), and blending on latex film formation process, properties and latex morphology. Films cast from these latexes were characterized using specific end use tests and fundamental properties using advanced instruments such as a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), modulated differential scanning calorimeter (MDSC), nano-indenter, and atomic force microscope (AFM). The results showed significant improvements in acrylic latex performance proposing coatings near zero VOC and forming basis for exploring potential commercial applications of functional nanosize latexes and their blends.

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