Determination of the coalescence temperature of latexes by environmental scanning electron microscopy.
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.
POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Joxe Mari Korta zentroa, Avda. Tolosa 72, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
Edurne
E
Gonzalez
Christopher
C
Tollan
Andrey
A
Chuvilin
Maria J
MJ
Barandiaran
Maria
M
Paulis
D000497:Alloys; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D005898:Glass; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007840:Latex / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
D000497:Alloys; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003102:Colloids; D007840:Latex; D011108:Polymers; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate