title: High solids content, soap-free, film-forming latexes stabilized by laponite clay platelets.
abstract: High solids content film-forming poly[styrene-co-(n-butyl acrylate)] [poly(Sty-co-BuA)] latexes armored with Laponite clay platelets have been synthesized by soap-free emulsion copolymerization of styrene and n-butyl acrylate. The polymerizations were performed in batch in the presence of Laponite and a methyl ether acrylate-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) macromonomer in order to promote polymer/clay association. The overall polymerization kinetics showed a pronounced effect of clay on nucleation and stabilization of the latex particles. Cryo-transmission electron microscopy observation confirmed the armored morphology and indicated that the majority of Laponite platelets were located at the particle surface. The resulting nanostructured films displayed enhanced mechanical properties.
authors.affiliation: Université de Lyon, University Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5265, Laboratoire de Chimie, Catalyse, Polymères et Procédés (C2P2), LCPP group, 43, Bd. du 11 Novembre 1918, F-69616 Villeurbanne, France. bourgeat@lcpp.cpe.fr.
authors.forename: Elodie
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bourgeat-Lami
authors.forename: Thiago Rodrigues
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Guimarães
authors.forename: Ana Maria Cenacchi
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: Gizelda Maria
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Alves
authors.forename: José Carlos
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Moreira
authors.forename: Jean-Luc
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Putaux
authors.forename: Amilton Martins
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Dos Santos