Cycloaliphatic diepoxide crosslinkable core-shell latexes: The effect of addition mode

The two series of the model core-shell acrylic latex systems were synthesiz ed. Both systems had hydroxy-functionalized cores and carboxyl-functionaliz ed shells. The latexes were then crosslinked with cycloaliphatic diepoxide. The mode of addition of crosslinker was studied by adding the cycloaliphat ic diepoxide during the polymerization or after the polymerization. The cro sslinker was also added after the polymerization via solvent or emulsion. T he Tukon hardness, tensile properties, viscoelasticity, and morphology of l atex were evaluated as a function of cycloaliphatic epoxide addition mode. The introduction of the epoxide during the polymerization lowered the Tukon hardness, and the solution approach generally provided better mechanical p roperties than the emulsion approach.