Preparation and properties of modified Vac-VeoVa10 copolymer nanometre latex emulsified with novel surfactants

Purpose The purpose of this paper is that the long fluorocarbon monomer is used to modify the latex. The film of the resultant latex has the C-F bond with high bond energy and low surface energy, which can effectively improve the heat resistance and water resistance of the resultant film. In addition, a mixture of CO-436 and dibutyl maleate (DBM) as surfactants is used as the emulsifier, which brings the new application of the above surfactants. Design/methodology/approach The modified Vac-VeoVa10 copolymer nanometre latex modified VAc-VeoVa10 latex has been successfully synthesized via the semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerization, which VAc and VeoVa10 is used as the main monomers and long fluorocarbon monomer was used as the functional monomer. Potassium persulphate (KPS) and the mixture of CO-436 and DBM were used as the initiator and emulsifier, respectively. The structure of resultant latex film was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The latex films were tested by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and contact angle. The particle size and its distribution of the latex were measured by the nano particle size analyzer. Findings Detailed investigation was conducted on the factors influencing the properties of the latex and film. The stability of the resultant latex is good. The average particles of the latex and its distribution are small and uniform, respectively. In comparison with the conventional latex film, the thermal stability and hydrophobicity of the resultant latex film are improved obviously. Originality/value The modification of p (VAc-VeoVa10) using a new emulsifier and long fluorocarbon monomer has not been widely reported. In this study, the modified Vac-VeoVa10 copolymer nanometre latex modified VAc-VeoVa10 latex has been successfully synthesized via the semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerization, which VAc and VeoVa10 is used as the main monomers and long fluorocarbon monomer was used as the functional monomer. KPS and the mixture of CO-436 and DBM were used as the initiator and emulsifier, respectively.