STARCH COPOLYMER PRODUCTS AND PROCESS

摘要

The invention provides methods for the preparation of a starch copolymer product which is the reaction product of starch and one or more synthetic monomers capable of undergoing free radical polymerization wherein the reaction product is in the form of an emulsion or dispersion having weight-average particle sizes less than 180 nm as measured by Capillary Hydrodynamic Fractionation. The method includes the steps of: (a) dissolving or colloidally dispersing starch in an aqueous solvent to form a starch solution or dispersion; (b) heating the starch solution or dispersion to a specified temperature range; (c) adding to the starch solution or dispersion a first portion of the synthetic monomer and a free radical initiator for initiation of polymerization of the starch member and the synthetic monomer; and (d) after free radical polymerization of the synthetic monomers has been initiated in the presence of the starch, adding additional portions of synthetic monomers capable of undergoing free radical polymerization to the starch solution or dispersion. The invention also provides improved methods for the preparation of starch copolymer products utilizing wet adhesion monomers and improved industrial and architectural coatings containing the resulting starch copolymer products.