Alkali-soluble resins (ASR) and acrylic blends: influence of ASR distribution on latex film and paint properties

Alkali-soluble resins (ASRs) are a special type of polymeric surfactant containing both hydrophobic moieties and carboxylic acid functional groups. Upon ionization, ASRs provide electrosteric stabilization to the latex particles, thus allowing reduction or even elimination of conventional surfactants while maintaining or improving latex stability. The distribution of ASR in the dried film depends on its miscibility with the latex polymer. Its presence in the blend system is expected to alter the film formation process and consequently performance properties of paint products based on the latex blends containing ASR. In this study, the effects of a high Tg, alkali-soluble resin (ASR), poly(styrene/alpha-methylstyrene/acrylic acid) terpolymer on the properties of latex and paint films were examined. The film formation of a soft acrylic latex in the absence and presence of the ASR was evaluated using a variety of analytical techniques. As expected, paint properties such as scrub resistance, wet adhesion, and block resistance were also affected by the inclusion of ASR. The results provide new insights into the structure and surface morphology of latex and paint films containing ASRs, as well as their impact on mechanical and the performance properties.