Determination of the coalescence temperature of latexes by environmental scanning electron microscopy

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2012 Aug;4(8):4276-82. doi: 10.1021/am300971v. Epub 2012 Jul 27.

Abstract

A new methodology for quantitative characterization of the coalescence process of waterborne polymer dispersion (latex) particles by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) is proposed. The experimental setup has been developed to provide reproducible latex monolayer depositions, optimized contrast of the latex particles, and a reliable readout of the sample temperature. Quantification of the coalescence process under dry conditions has been performed by image processing based on evaluation of the image autocorrelation function. As a proof of concept the coalescence of two latexes with known and differing glass transition temperatures has been measured. It has been shown that a reproducibility of better than 1.5 °C can be obtained for the measurement of the coalescence temperature.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alloys
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Colloids / chemistry*
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Glass
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Latex / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / methods*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate / chemistry
  • Surface Properties
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Alloys
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Colloids
  • Latex
  • Polymers
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate