Effect of functional monomer on the stability and film properties of thermosetting core–shell latexes

Functionalized core–shell latexes were prepared by copolymerization of butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) or methacrylic acid (MAA), which were added during the first or second stages of polymerization, respectively. The HEMA and MAA concentrations were increased while the equivalent ratio of functional groups remained constant. Colloidal stability, particle size, particle size distribution, film properties and morphology were studied as functions of functional monomer content. The upper limit functionality content was limited by the stability of the system during synthesis. A bimodal particle size distribution was observed for high concentrations of functional monomers. Increase in carboxyl and hydroxyl functionalities improved tensile strength and modulus for un-crosslinked films, and generally higher tensile strength, tensile modulus and storage modulus at high temperature were obtained after the functional latexes were crosslinked with a cycloaliphatic diepoxide.