Waterborne nano-emulsions of polyvinyl acetate-polyurethane coatings containing different types of vinyl monomers: synthesis and characterization

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to synthesize new terpolymers by the emulsion polymerization technique composed of acrylamide-based polyurethane monomers (TPM and MPM) with different vinyl acetate copolymer systems, such as vinyl acetate/butyl acrylate (VAc/BA), vinyl acetate/ethylhexyl acrylate (VAc/2-EHA) and vinyl acetate/vinyl ester of versatic acid (VAc/VEOVA 10) systems. The performance of the prepared terpolymers as binders in emulsion coatings and textile industries was investigated and compared with the analogous commercial ones. Design/methodology/approach New waterborne polyurethane-vinyl ester-vinyl acetate terpolymers with high solid content and nano-scale emulsions have been successfully synthesized in two steps. The polyurethane oligomers were prepared by the prepolymer method as the first step. The second step involved polymerization with different vinyl monomers. The synthesized terpolymers were characterized using FTIR, scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, minimum film forming temperature and particle size analyzer methods. Findings The synthesized emulsion terpolymers have shown small particle sizes averaged of 70 nm and a narrow distribution range, along with good mechanical, thermal and chemical stabilities. The surface coating layers of the terpolymers also have some important in terms of smoothness, clarity and binding ability in water-based coating for up to 4425 scrub cycles at 30 GU. Further, a high potential application textile printing was achieved at high solid content of 47–50%. Originality/value The effects of different isocyanates and vinyl monomers on the properties of obtained emulsion coatings have been studied. The improvement consequences of the coating evaluation of the waterborne binders for emulsion paints have been described. The properties of polyester/cotton fabric print pigment printing of textiles appear to be most promising enhancements by using the prepared nanocomposites of PU-co-vinyl acetate-co-vinyl ester as waterborne binders. So that the prepared emulsions have the potential to replace solvent-based coatings as waterborne binders for both emulsion coating and textile printing applications.