# Coalescing Aid Influences on Acrylic Latexes Property and Film Formation Process

Authors: Wang Yi; Chen Zhonghua; Yu Fei
Journal: Indian Journal of Materials Science
 (2016)

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## Abstract

The coalescing aid of propylene glycol phenyl ether (PPh) influences on the latexes system and its film formation process have been demonstrated in this paper. The latexes with differentTg are synthesized by seeded semicontinuous emulsion polymerization. The PPh have a significant impact on the water evaporation stage, in which PPh decreased the water evaporation rate for a low Tg latex system but accelerated the rate for a high Tg latex. This result was quantified using Routh-Russel model which was a useful model for the prediction of the latex particle deformation mechanisms. The different amounts of PPh can change the latex particle deformation mechanisms. The TGA results show that the PPh still exist in the latexes films during drying. The microstructures of the latex film which dry under 70°C with the PPh for different time display that the PPh can accelerate the polymer molecules motion and the diffusion rate for the latex coalescence stage.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Acrylic latexes are important raw material in a wide range of applications for coatings, house varnishes, and wall paints [1]. Film formation behavior of acrylic latex is a complicated and multistage phenomenon [2]. Recently, opinion on the latex film formation process divided it into three consecutive major stages [3–5]. Stage I is water evaporation; evaporation of water brings the latex polymer particles into close contact. Stage II is particle deformation; the latex particles deform which are induced by surface and osmotic forces associated with passage of water from the interstitial spaces and form a void-free solid structure that is mechanically weak [6]. Stage III is latex coalescence; the polymer molecules diffuse across the intercellular boundaries; the coalescence stage creates entanglements that provide mechanical strength to the film [7–9]. The studies of the process of latex film formation need specific analytical technique to meet the requirement of each stage. The techniques used to study water evaporation stage include MFFT bar [10], gravimetry [11], cryogenic scanning electron microscopy [12], and environmental scanning electron microscopy [13]. Contact atomic force microscopy [14], transmission electron microscopy [15], and scanning electron microscopy [16] are usually used to study latex particle deformation or packing stage. Small angle neutron scattering [17], fluorescence resonance energy transfer [18], and transmission spectrophotometry [19] are often used to study the latex film coalescence or interdiffusion stage.The Routh-Russel model shows the deformation mechanisms of latex particle are different possible mechanisms depending on two dimensionless parameters,Pe and λ-. The parameter λ- is defined as the ratio between the time need for film compaction (i.e., for complete particle deformation, tdef) and the characteristic time for the evaporation of water, tevap, and λ- is written as(1)λ-=tdeftevap=η0R0EγwaH,where η0 is the low shear viscosity of the polymer, γwa is water-air surface tension, E is the evaporation rate, H is the initial film thickness, and R0 is the particle size. The parameter Pe is defined as the ratio between the characteristic time for the diffusion of the polymer particles from the top to the bottom of the film, tdiff, and the evaporation time, tevap, and Pe is written as(2)Pe=6πμR0HEkT,where k is the Boltzmann constant, T is the temperature (K) of the film formation process, and μ is the viscosity of a spherical particle in a fluid. Routh-Russel model classifies the particle deformation mechanisms into wet sintering, capillary deformation, dry sintering, and Sheetz deformation [20–22]. For wet sintering mechanism, particles are consolidated at close packing in the wet state and quickly deform forced by the polymer-water surface tension. For capillary deformation mechanism, the particle deformation is concurrent with the water evaporation forced by the capillary pressure. For dry sintering mechanism, particles are assumed not to undergo significant deformation until the water evaporates and the particle deformation force is the polymer-air surface tension to deform. For Sheetz deformation mechanism, particles are quickly packing in the film vertical surface by wet sintering to form a skin, the fluid below the compacting particles is at atmospheric pressure, and the upper packed layer is too thin to generate a large capillary pressure. An engineer maybe used this model to investigate how change in a parameter, such as the evaporation rate, film thickness, or particle size, will influence the particle deformation mechanism [23].The latex used in household varnishes or wall paint usually needs to dry in room temperature, but, with the requirement for hard, scratch-resistant surface, this film cannot be created solely from latex polymer havingTg above room temperature, and sometime this paradox can resolute by adding coalescing aid [24], such as PPh and propylene glycol phenyl ether [25, 26]. The coalescing aids can reduce Tg of latex polymer; what is more, the coalescing aid can also increase the polymer diffusivity as the temperature increases above Tg, and it is enhanced diffusivity which enables continuous and strong films to be created. However, the coalescing aids are usually an organic solvent, which can pollute the air, so the presence status in the latex film is very important [27].In this article we use dynamic light scattering to study the influence of coalescing aid on the latexes property such as particle size and zeta potential; gravimetry to get the latexes water evaporation rate for latexes film formation stage I and we use the Routh-Russel deformation mechanism model to study the coalescing aid PPh influence on the latex deformation mechanism; scanning electron microscope to investigate the microstructure of latexes films diffusion stage; differential scanning calorimetry to consider the glass temperature of the latex polymer and latex films and particle enthalpy of coalescence; and thermal gravimetric analysis to research the presence of coalescing aid PPh on the latexes films.


## 2. Experimental Section

### 2.1. Materials

Methyl methacrylate (MMA), Styrene (St), acrylic acid (AA), and butyl acrylate (BA) monomers were used as received from Tianjin Fuyu Agent Company without further purification. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, Aldrich) was used as emulsifier, potassium persulfate (KPS, Aldrich) was used as initiator, and sodium bicarbonate and ammonia were used as buffer agent. 2,2,4-Trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate (PPh, Aldrich) was used as coalescing aid. Doubly deionized (DDI) water was used thought the work.


### 2.2. Synthesis of BA/St/MMA Latexes by Semiemulsion Polymerization

BA/St/MMA latexes with different glass temperature(Tg) are synthesized by seeded semicontinuous process. First, the emulsifier and monomers dissolve by water in a 500 mL flask and all of them preemulsify for 1 h. Second, 20% of the monomer preemulsion is added to a 500 mL four-necked flask equipped with a reflux condenser, a nitrogen inlet, a sample device, a stainless steel modified anchor stirrer rotating at 250 rpm, and a cascade temperature control system. The seed preemulsion heat was 70°C with addition of 50% of the initiator, and when the insulation material is blue and the peak exothermal occurred, the temperature raised to 80°C. After the temperature stabilized at 80°C, the remaining monomer preemulsion and initiator dropped, respectively, in 2 h, and then the temperature increased to 90°C with incubation for 30 min. When the reaction systems cool to room temperature, aqueous ammonia is added to adjust the pH to 8-9.


### 2.3. Particle Sizes

Particle sizes are determined by dynamic light scattering using a Malvern Nanosizer. The latexes are diluted for 800 times.


### 2.4. Latex Water Evaporation Rate

A Mettler AE260 Delta Range analytical balance is used to record daily mass changes within 0.0001 g, the instrument sensitivity limit. The initial mass as well as any mass change of the glass slide was removed from each calculation so that only changes in the film are displayed.


### 2.5. Minimum Film Formation Temperature (MFFT)

The measurements of the MFFT of the latexes are carried out on MFFT bar. The temperature at the point of the bar that the film becomes optically clear and attains mechanical integrity are defined as MFFT.


### 2.6. Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)

T g of the polymer and latexes films is determined by differential scanning calorimetry, DSC (201 FC, Netzsch Instruments). The samples are placed in an aluminum crucible, cooled to −30°C, and then heated to 120°C at 10°C/min.A DSC method [28] is used to calculate the enthalpy of coalescence during drying of the latex film. The samples were cast into slides and dried under −10.0°C. Two samples with identical weight are placed in sample pans of identical weight (0.1 mg). First, a temperature scan from −30°C to 120°C at 10°C/min is performed on a dried latex sample measured against an empty reference pan. Second, the calorimeter was cooled to room temperature and the original sample transferred to the reference holder. A fresh sample was placed in the first sample holder and the heating scan repeated. Third, after cooling, a second run was performed to generate a base line.


### 2.7. Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA)

TGA measurements were obtained from a thermal gravimetric analysis (NETZSCH STA 449C, Germany) under nitrogen atmosphere at a heating rate of 20°C/min from 30°C to 600°C. The latexes films with coalescing aid formed under room temperature are tested after 7 days for film formation process.


### 2.8. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

The SEM pictures were obtained by field emission scanning electron microscope (Merlin, Carl Zeiss, Germany), and it is used to investigate the microstructure of the latexes films surface. All samples were coated with gold before SEM observation and the magnification is 50 K.


## 2.1. Materials

Methyl methacrylate (MMA), Styrene (St), acrylic acid (AA), and butyl acrylate (BA) monomers were used as received from Tianjin Fuyu Agent Company without further purification. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, Aldrich) was used as emulsifier, potassium persulfate (KPS, Aldrich) was used as initiator, and sodium bicarbonate and ammonia were used as buffer agent. 2,2,4-Trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate (PPh, Aldrich) was used as coalescing aid. Doubly deionized (DDI) water was used thought the work.


## 2.2. Synthesis of BA/St/MMA Latexes by Semiemulsion Polymerization

BA/St/MMA latexes with different glass temperature(Tg) are synthesized by seeded semicontinuous process. First, the emulsifier and monomers dissolve by water in a 500 mL flask and all of them preemulsify for 1 h. Second, 20% of the monomer preemulsion is added to a 500 mL four-necked flask equipped with a reflux condenser, a nitrogen inlet, a sample device, a stainless steel modified anchor stirrer rotating at 250 rpm, and a cascade temperature control system. The seed preemulsion heat was 70°C with addition of 50% of the initiator, and when the insulation material is blue and the peak exothermal occurred, the temperature raised to 80°C. After the temperature stabilized at 80°C, the remaining monomer preemulsion and initiator dropped, respectively, in 2 h, and then the temperature increased to 90°C with incubation for 30 min. When the reaction systems cool to room temperature, aqueous ammonia is added to adjust the pH to 8-9.


## 2.3. Particle Sizes

Particle sizes are determined by dynamic light scattering using a Malvern Nanosizer. The latexes are diluted for 800 times.


## 2.4. Latex Water Evaporation Rate

A Mettler AE260 Delta Range analytical balance is used to record daily mass changes within 0.0001 g, the instrument sensitivity limit. The initial mass as well as any mass change of the glass slide was removed from each calculation so that only changes in the film are displayed.


## 2.5. Minimum Film Formation Temperature (MFFT)

The measurements of the MFFT of the latexes are carried out on MFFT bar. The temperature at the point of the bar that the film becomes optically clear and attains mechanical integrity are defined as MFFT.


## 2.6. Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)

T g of the polymer and latexes films is determined by differential scanning calorimetry, DSC (201 FC, Netzsch Instruments). The samples are placed in an aluminum crucible, cooled to −30°C, and then heated to 120°C at 10°C/min.A DSC method [28] is used to calculate the enthalpy of coalescence during drying of the latex film. The samples were cast into slides and dried under −10.0°C. Two samples with identical weight are placed in sample pans of identical weight (0.1 mg). First, a temperature scan from −30°C to 120°C at 10°C/min is performed on a dried latex sample measured against an empty reference pan. Second, the calorimeter was cooled to room temperature and the original sample transferred to the reference holder. A fresh sample was placed in the first sample holder and the heating scan repeated. Third, after cooling, a second run was performed to generate a base line.


## 2.7. Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA)

TGA measurements were obtained from a thermal gravimetric analysis (NETZSCH STA 449C, Germany) under nitrogen atmosphere at a heating rate of 20°C/min from 30°C to 600°C. The latexes films with coalescing aid formed under room temperature are tested after 7 days for film formation process.


## 2.8. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

The SEM pictures were obtained by field emission scanning electron microscope (Merlin, Carl Zeiss, Germany), and it is used to investigate the microstructure of the latexes films surface. All samples were coated with gold before SEM observation and the magnification is 50 K.


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. Properties of the Latexes Prepared with Different Proportions of Monomers without PPh

Two different latexes of BA/MMA/St (20/40/40 wt.% for latex 1027 and 40/30/30 wt.% for latex 0912) at 40% SC are synthesized by seeded semibatch emulsion process. The properties of the latexes are compared in Table1. Regarding the film properties, it can be observed that, as expected, Tg and the MFFT values rise as the MMA and St weight ratio increased in the formula. The latex 1027 has Tg higher than room temperature and the latex has Tg approximate to room temperature.Table 1
Properties of the latexes prepared with different proportions of monomer without PPh.
Name BA/MMA/St (wt%) Solid content (wt.%) Z-Ave (nm) PDI MFFT (°C) T g (°C) 1027 20/40/40 40 139.9 0.052 75.0 67.4 0912 40/30/30 40 196.3 0.061 31.2 31.4


### 3.2. The Influence of PPh on the Water Evaporation Process of Latexes

The latexes water evaporation rates are calculated under 25°C and 50% humidity. Figure1 shows the PPh have a great influence on the latexes films water evaporation rate which is the slope of the curves. The latex evaporation rate is a two-stage drying curve, with a constant rate of mass loss followed by a decreasing rate period. For latex 1027 with a high Tg, the water evaporation rate is accelerated by the addition of PPh, and the 1027 latexes films cannot form continued films under this condition as shown in Figure 2. According to Routh-Russel model [24, 29, 30], the parameters for latexes particle deformation mechanism are showed in Table 2, and the latexes particle deformation mechanisms are displayed in Table 2. Table 2 indicates that the addition of the PPh has changed the latex’s film formation mechanism. However, for latex 0912 with low Tg, the water evaporation rate is decelerated by the addition of the PPh, and the latexes’ films are continuous films as shown in Figure 4. The latex particle deformation mechanism is wet sintering for 0.00%–3.75% amount of the PPh as λ-<1; there is a mixture of capillary deformation, as a water front recedes through the film for 5.00% amount [24]. If the latex film with a layer of nondeformed particle accumulates at the top surface, then an addition of the PPh will make the particle with a low Tg and easily deformed, the driving force for drying sintering is polymer-air surface tension which is consistent under the same condition, and the rate of water evaporation will increase. If the top surface particles fuse together to form a continuous film, the rate of water loss will be considerably reduced.Table 2
The parameters for latex particle deformation mechanism in Routh-Russel model.
Amount% Latex 1027 Latex 0912 λ- P e Mechanism λ - P e Mechanism 0.00 4.42 × 1013 0.065 Dry sintering 1.73 × 10−4 0.664 Wet sintering 1.25 6.15 × 105 0.083 Dry sintering 4.97 × 10−4 0.473 Wet sintering 2.50 7.98 × 103 0.101 Mix capillary deformation 2.63 × 10−3 0.463 Wet sintering 3.75 3.25 × 101 0.117 Capillary deformation 1.50 × 10−2 0.463 Wet sintering 5.00 1.55 × 10−2 0.118 Wet sintering 1.11 × 102 0.378 Mix capillary deformationFigure 1
Effect of PPh on the latex water evaporation.Figure 2
Photographs of the latexes films drying at room temperature.


### 3.3. The Influence of PPh on the Enthalpy of Coalescence for Latexes Films

The latexes films for testing enthalpy of coalescence are drying under −10°C to reduce the diffusion for latex film. The DSC method shows the irreversible thermal changes during the latex film formation process; this method is used to calculate the enthalpy of coalescence indicating the total energy required for the disappearance of the interface of the latex particle and the latex molecules motion making a continuous film for latex. Figure3 illustrated the latexes films enthalpy of coalescence was decreased with the addition of PPh for latex 1027 and latex 0912, and the PPh could speed up the polymer molecular motion and made the latexes films more uniform during the film formation process. The DSC method determines the latex film or coating film is fully uniform or not. And this method determines how many coalescing aids should be added to the latex formula to get a uniform film under given conditions.Figure 3
The enthalpy of coalescence for latexes films with PPh.Figure 4
The TGA curves of latexes films with PPh.


### 3.4. The Thermal Stability of the Latexes Film with PPh

The effects of PPh on the thermal stability of the latex films are shown in Figure4. The first weight loss platform of the TGA curves is the heat decomposition of the PPh; the PPh is almost decomposed at 330°C. The latex film with varying amounts of the PPh decreased as the addition amount of PPh increased and the formed latex film contained a greater number of PPh. Figure 4 also shows the PPh cannot change the temperature of maximum weight loss rate and final temperature of decomposition for the latex polymer.The addition of the PPh can effectively act as a coalescing aid for the latexes film polymer; when we add less than 5.00 wt.% amount of PPh to the acrylic latexes, it has little influence on the latex system but can effectively lower its filmsTg and MFFT, and it can also change the latex water evaporation rate and transform the latex deformation mechanism. The PPh still exist in the latexes films with little amount evaporating to the atmosphere by the result of TGA research.


### 3.5. The Influence of PPh on the 1027 Latexes Films Microstructure Dry at 70°C

Figure5 depicts the microstructure of the 1027 latexes films with PPh which dry at 70°C for different time. The latex particles remained physically distinct and deformation occurred for latex 1027 film with 1.25% of PPh for 5 h and they form a continuous film for 7 h, the polymer molecules are diffusing, and the latex particles are losing the original particle morphology within film formation process. For latex 1027 with 2.50% PPh, the film dries at 70°C for 5 h, the film becomes a continuous film with a small amount of particles which have interval, and the film becomes a continuous film for 7 h. For latex 1027 with 3.75% PPh, the film dries at 70°C for 2 h, the film becomes a continuous film with a small amount of particles which have interval, and the film becomes a continuous film for 5 h. For latex 1027 with 5.00% PPh, the film becomes a continuous film for drying 1 h. We can get a result that the coalescing aid PPh could accelerate the latexes polymer molecule motion. The PPh can accelerate the polymer diffusion rate by reducing Tg of latex film, the microstructure result display the polymer molecular motion are speed up by the addition of the PPh.Figure 5
The microstructures of 1027 latexes films with PPh dry at 70°C.


### 3.6. The Model of Coalescing Aid Influence on Latex Film Formation

Coalescing aid is very important when designing novel or improved industrial latex coatings. To fully understand the influence of coalescing aid on the formation process of latex film, two practical models should contemplate: the modified Fox equation is utilized to calculate theTg of latex film, and the Routh-Russel model anticipate the particle deformation mechanism.Through the above experimental part shows the coalescing aid PPh in the latex have an important role in the process of film formation process, the properties of latex have not changed with the PPh added to the latex; the mainly role of the PPh occurs after the latex film with water volatilized. With the evaporation of water, latex particles began to gather in surface and form a membrane and the PPh also began to gather together in this film at the same time; latex 0912 with 5.00% PPh is an exact example. Due to the dissolving capability of the PPh on the film polymer, the polymer particles are fused quickly in film surface; whenTg of the latex polymer is close to film forming temperature the surface of the membrane undergoes fusion quickly with the addition of the PPh, the latex particles will form a surface, and the evaporation rate of water can reduce by the formation of the surface layer. The Routh-Russel model can be used to predict the particle deformation mechanism of latex film under this condition. When Tg of the latex polymer is higher than film formation temperature, the PPh acts as a plasticizer to reduce Tg of latex polymer according to modified Fox equation. The PPh is gathered at the surface of the latex film as discussed before, and the PPh increase the diffusion rate of polymer and change the particle deformation mechanism corresponding to the Routh-Russel model.


## 3.1. Properties of the Latexes Prepared with Different Proportions of Monomers without PPh

Two different latexes of BA/MMA/St (20/40/40 wt.% for latex 1027 and 40/30/30 wt.% for latex 0912) at 40% SC are synthesized by seeded semibatch emulsion process. The properties of the latexes are compared in Table1. Regarding the film properties, it can be observed that, as expected, Tg and the MFFT values rise as the MMA and St weight ratio increased in the formula. The latex 1027 has Tg higher than room temperature and the latex has Tg approximate to room temperature.Table 1
Properties of the latexes prepared with different proportions of monomer without PPh.
Name BA/MMA/St (wt%) Solid content (wt.%) Z-Ave (nm) PDI MFFT (°C) T g (°C) 1027 20/40/40 40 139.9 0.052 75.0 67.4 0912 40/30/30 40 196.3 0.061 31.2 31.4


## 3.2. The Influence of PPh on the Water Evaporation Process of Latexes

The latexes water evaporation rates are calculated under 25°C and 50% humidity. Figure1 shows the PPh have a great influence on the latexes films water evaporation rate which is the slope of the curves. The latex evaporation rate is a two-stage drying curve, with a constant rate of mass loss followed by a decreasing rate period. For latex 1027 with a high Tg, the water evaporation rate is accelerated by the addition of PPh, and the 1027 latexes films cannot form continued films under this condition as shown in Figure 2. According to Routh-Russel model [24, 29, 30], the parameters for latexes particle deformation mechanism are showed in Table 2, and the latexes particle deformation mechanisms are displayed in Table 2. Table 2 indicates that the addition of the PPh has changed the latex’s film formation mechanism. However, for latex 0912 with low Tg, the water evaporation rate is decelerated by the addition of the PPh, and the latexes’ films are continuous films as shown in Figure 4. The latex particle deformation mechanism is wet sintering for 0.00%–3.75% amount of the PPh as λ-<1; there is a mixture of capillary deformation, as a water front recedes through the film for 5.00% amount [24]. If the latex film with a layer of nondeformed particle accumulates at the top surface, then an addition of the PPh will make the particle with a low Tg and easily deformed, the driving force for drying sintering is polymer-air surface tension which is consistent under the same condition, and the rate of water evaporation will increase. If the top surface particles fuse together to form a continuous film, the rate of water loss will be considerably reduced.Table 2
The parameters for latex particle deformation mechanism in Routh-Russel model.
Amount% Latex 1027 Latex 0912 λ- P e Mechanism λ - P e Mechanism 0.00 4.42 × 1013 0.065 Dry sintering 1.73 × 10−4 0.664 Wet sintering 1.25 6.15 × 105 0.083 Dry sintering 4.97 × 10−4 0.473 Wet sintering 2.50 7.98 × 103 0.101 Mix capillary deformation 2.63 × 10−3 0.463 Wet sintering 3.75 3.25 × 101 0.117 Capillary deformation 1.50 × 10−2 0.463 Wet sintering 5.00 1.55 × 10−2 0.118 Wet sintering 1.11 × 102 0.378 Mix capillary deformationFigure 1
Effect of PPh on the latex water evaporation.Figure 2
Photographs of the latexes films drying at room temperature.


## 3.3. The Influence of PPh on the Enthalpy of Coalescence for Latexes Films

The latexes films for testing enthalpy of coalescence are drying under −10°C to reduce the diffusion for latex film. The DSC method shows the irreversible thermal changes during the latex film formation process; this method is used to calculate the enthalpy of coalescence indicating the total energy required for the disappearance of the interface of the latex particle and the latex molecules motion making a continuous film for latex. Figure3 illustrated the latexes films enthalpy of coalescence was decreased with the addition of PPh for latex 1027 and latex 0912, and the PPh could speed up the polymer molecular motion and made the latexes films more uniform during the film formation process. The DSC method determines the latex film or coating film is fully uniform or not. And this method determines how many coalescing aids should be added to the latex formula to get a uniform film under given conditions.Figure 3
The enthalpy of coalescence for latexes films with PPh.Figure 4
The TGA curves of latexes films with PPh.


## 3.4. The Thermal Stability of the Latexes Film with PPh

The effects of PPh on the thermal stability of the latex films are shown in Figure4. The first weight loss platform of the TGA curves is the heat decomposition of the PPh; the PPh is almost decomposed at 330°C. The latex film with varying amounts of the PPh decreased as the addition amount of PPh increased and the formed latex film contained a greater number of PPh. Figure 4 also shows the PPh cannot change the temperature of maximum weight loss rate and final temperature of decomposition for the latex polymer.The addition of the PPh can effectively act as a coalescing aid for the latexes film polymer; when we add less than 5.00 wt.% amount of PPh to the acrylic latexes, it has little influence on the latex system but can effectively lower its filmsTg and MFFT, and it can also change the latex water evaporation rate and transform the latex deformation mechanism. The PPh still exist in the latexes films with little amount evaporating to the atmosphere by the result of TGA research.


## 3.5. The Influence of PPh on the 1027 Latexes Films Microstructure Dry at 70°C

Figure5 depicts the microstructure of the 1027 latexes films with PPh which dry at 70°C for different time. The latex particles remained physically distinct and deformation occurred for latex 1027 film with 1.25% of PPh for 5 h and they form a continuous film for 7 h, the polymer molecules are diffusing, and the latex particles are losing the original particle morphology within film formation process. For latex 1027 with 2.50% PPh, the film dries at 70°C for 5 h, the film becomes a continuous film with a small amount of particles which have interval, and the film becomes a continuous film for 7 h. For latex 1027 with 3.75% PPh, the film dries at 70°C for 2 h, the film becomes a continuous film with a small amount of particles which have interval, and the film becomes a continuous film for 5 h. For latex 1027 with 5.00% PPh, the film becomes a continuous film for drying 1 h. We can get a result that the coalescing aid PPh could accelerate the latexes polymer molecule motion. The PPh can accelerate the polymer diffusion rate by reducing Tg of latex film, the microstructure result display the polymer molecular motion are speed up by the addition of the PPh.Figure 5
The microstructures of 1027 latexes films with PPh dry at 70°C.


## 3.6. The Model of Coalescing Aid Influence on Latex Film Formation

Coalescing aid is very important when designing novel or improved industrial latex coatings. To fully understand the influence of coalescing aid on the formation process of latex film, two practical models should contemplate: the modified Fox equation is utilized to calculate theTg of latex film, and the Routh-Russel model anticipate the particle deformation mechanism.Through the above experimental part shows the coalescing aid PPh in the latex have an important role in the process of film formation process, the properties of latex have not changed with the PPh added to the latex; the mainly role of the PPh occurs after the latex film with water volatilized. With the evaporation of water, latex particles began to gather in surface and form a membrane and the PPh also began to gather together in this film at the same time; latex 0912 with 5.00% PPh is an exact example. Due to the dissolving capability of the PPh on the film polymer, the polymer particles are fused quickly in film surface; whenTg of the latex polymer is close to film forming temperature the surface of the membrane undergoes fusion quickly with the addition of the PPh, the latex particles will form a surface, and the evaporation rate of water can reduce by the formation of the surface layer. The Routh-Russel model can be used to predict the particle deformation mechanism of latex film under this condition. When Tg of the latex polymer is higher than film formation temperature, the PPh acts as a plasticizer to reduce Tg of latex polymer according to modified Fox equation. The PPh is gathered at the surface of the latex film as discussed before, and the PPh increase the diffusion rate of polymer and change the particle deformation mechanism corresponding to the Routh-Russel model.


## 4. Conclusions

The latex film formation process and the influence of coalescing aid PPh on the process are studied by a combination of SEM, gravimetry, DLS, and TGA. The latexes with differentTg are synthesized by seeded semicontinuous emulsion polymerization. The PPh have a significant impact on the water evaporation stage; the PPh reduce the water evaporation rate for a low Tg latex contrary to accelerating the water evaporation rate for a high Tg latex. The PPh change the latex particle deformation mechanisms with different amount according to Routh-Russel model. The PPh act as a plasticizer to lower Tg of latex film and its film formation enthalpy of coalescence. The microstructures of the latex film which dry under 70°C with the PPh for different time display that the PPh can accelerate the polymer molecules motion and the diffusion rate for the coalescence stage. The TGA results show that the PPh still exist in the latexes films with little amount evaporating to the atmosphere.In this paper we have demonstrated the PPh influence on the latexes system and its film formation process. The PPh can promote the latex forming a continuous film by loweringTg of polymer with little volatilization to the air during film formation process. The Routh-Russel model is a useful model for the prediction of the latex particle deformation mechanisms. There is no enough research to prove the occurrence of different mechanisms. The addition of the PPh cannot change the latexes property, the latex mainly alter the water evaporation rate caused by the addition of the PPh, the deformation mechanisms are changed, and the Routh-Russel model is proved by the addition of the PPh to the latex in our work. Future work will further utilize the quantitative influence of coalescing aid on the latex film formation and its impact on the property of the latex film.



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