Distribution of small molecules in latex films. Correlation with properties

The main results which can be found in the literature concerning the distri bution of surfactants in latex films are briefly reviewed. Several paramete rs influence distributions, namely the nature of the systems, time, total a mount of surfactant introduced in the latex, film formation conditions, mec hanical story of the film. The interpretations are closely connected to fil m formation mechanisms, especially drying mechanisms. The effects of surfac tants on adhesion properties of latex films were mainly studied through pee l energy versus surfactant concentration data. There are three possible sha pes for these curves, they can show a maximum, a minimum or a decrease to a plateau level. Qualitative interpretations of these shapes are proposed.