Packing effect on latex film formation: a photon transmission study

A photon transmission method has been used to study interdiffusion processe s during film formation from hard latex particles. Films with different lat ex content were prepared separately by annealing poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles above the glass transition temperature. The transmitted ph oton intensity from these films increases as the annealing temperature is i ncreased. Monte Carlo simulations are performed for photon transmission thr ough a rectangular lattice. The increase in the transmitted photon intensit y (I-tr) is attributed to the latex content (film thickness) for the anneal ed film samples. It is observed that as the latex particles are packed (fil m thickness is increased) fewer voids or cracks are formed in the films. A negative absorbance coefficient has been measured above the 180 degrees C a nnealing temperature. Packing coefficients are obtained for films having va rious latex contents. (C) 2000 Society of Chemical Industry.