Water-borne Alkyd Coatings By Miniemulsion Polymerization

Abstract

A distinctive graft copolymer is made by dissolving an alkyd resin in various vinyl monomers (methyl methacrylate, styrene, etc.). The monomer/alkyd solution is then miniemulsion polymerized to form a latex consisting of submicron particles of polymer with the alkyd grafted onto the polymer backbone. The latex can be applied to a substrate, which on drying forms a polymeric film with good film properties. The latex can be used in a latex paint formulation in place of an acrylate, acetate or styrene-divinyl benzene latex. In this way it is possible to produce water-borne alkyd coatings which combine the film hardness properties of an oil-based alkyd coating with easy application and cleanup. The coating will beneficially lack organic solvent exposure of typical standard latex coatings.