NOVEL INTERNALLY PLASTICIZED AND LOW VOC LATEX COMPOSITIONS AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF
摘要
Novel latex or emulsion compositions containing internally plasticizing and crosslinkable monomers derived from traditional semi-drying or non-drying oils are disclosed and claimed. The monomers are ethylenically unsaturated esters of long-chain olefinic compounds. Preferred embodiments include latex formed from acrylate or methacrylate esters of hydroxy fatty acid esters derived from castor oil or lesquerella oil. A process for the synthesis of the latex composition is also disclosed, which involves (a) an esterification reaction of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or its derivatives with a substituted hydroxy long-chain olefinic compound; (b) subsequent polymerization of the so formed ethylenically unsaturated ester of a long-chain olefinic compound in an aqueous phase with at least one other copolymerizable monomer; and (c) blending so formed polymer with at least one drier and a surfactant to form the novel latex or emulsion compositions. These compositions form films at low minimum film forming temperatures (MFT) ranging from -5 to 10 DEG C and cure to above ambient glass transition (Tg) polymers without the use of traditional organic cosolvents which contribute to environmental pollution <i>via</i> volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions. These compositions are therefore useful in waterborne coatings, contact and pressure sensitive adhesives, and inks.