The diacetone acrylamide crosslinking reaction and its influence on the film formation of an acrylic latex

Waterborne colloidal polymers (i.e. latex) represent a promising alternative to organic solvent-based systems in coatings applications. The development of mechanical strength and hardness is often enhanced by chemical crosslinking that creates a three-dimensional network. If extensive crosslinking occurs within the particles prior to their coalescence, however, interdiffusion will be prevented. A weaker product will result. We have explored the inter-relationship between coalescence, crosslinking, and surfactant exudation in an acrylic latex containing diacetone acrylamide exploiting the “keto-hydrazide” crosslinking reaction. The complementary use of spectroscopic techniques on a model system determined that the crosslinking reaction yields an imine, not an enamine as has been proposed in some literature. Gel fraction measurements were used to probe the rate and amount of crosslinking and identified a slower rate in larger particles, suggesting that the transport of crosslinking agent is rate-limiting. The keto-hydrazide reaction was found to be acid catalyzed and favored at lower water concentration. Measurement of the latex pH relative to the polymer mass fraction during film formation clarified the expected point of onset for crosslinking in relation to particle packing. Atomic force microscopy was used to follow surface leveling relative to the competing influence of crosslinking. The rate and total amount of surfactant exudation were found to be influenced by crosslinking, particle deformability (as determined by the temperature relative to the polymer glass transition temperature), and the evaporation rate (as controlled by the relative humidity). There is evidence that surfactant exudation can be triggered by the particle deformation that occurs at film formation temperatures well above the glass transition temperature.