Abstract

OLIVEIRA, M.P  and  SILVA, C.R. Copolymerization of Styrene and n-Butyl Acrylate with Itaconic Acid: Influence OF Carboxylic Groups Distribution on Performance of Decorative Paints. Lat. Am. appl. res. [online]. 2013, vol.43, n.4, pp. 337-343. ISSN 1851-8796.

The main aim of this study is to understand the influence of itaconic acid (IA) on the colloidal properties of the latexes made by semi-batch emulsion copolymerization of styrene (St) with n-butyl acrylate (BA). A series of copolymerization were carried out with different IA concentrations to produce latexes for decorative paints. The effect of functional monomer on the conversion, colloidal properties of the latexes and the distribution of the carboxylic groups (buried, particle surface and serum) were investigated. The behavior of IA on wet scrub resistance of highly pigmented paints for architectural coatings was examined. The results obtained showed that the number of particles and polymerization rate both decreased with increase of the amount of IA. The properties of decorative paints are greatly dependent on the amount and carboxylic acid distribution. The carboxylic acid distributed in the aqueous phase has a strong influence on the characteristics of the final products

Keywords : Emulsion Copolymerization; Carboxylic Acid; Itaconic Acid; Scrub Resistance; Paints.