The role of polymer surface in the hydrodynamic stability of particles of emulsifier-free poly(methacrylate) latexes

The hydrodynamic stability of emulsifier-free poly(methacrylate) latexes si gnificantly differing in the polarities of the polymer particle surfaces wa s studied. The correlation between the amount of coagulum formed during the hydrodynamic coagulation and the maximum height of the potential energy of particle interaction was revealed. A similar dependence is explained by po ssible lowering of this height under the applied external hydrodynamic fiel d. The coagulation factor of latexes in a flow was calculated. It was estab lished that the stability of disperse systems increases with enhancing the polymer hydrophilicity. The time of coagulation was estimated.