Synthesis and characterization of fluoro-silicone polyacrylate latex emulsified with novel green surfactants

Abstract

The novel fluoro-silicone polyacrylate latex was successfully synthesized in the presence of a novel green mixed emulsifier of β-cyclodextrin ( β-CD) and sodium lauroyl glutamate (SLG) by semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerization, which was initiated with potassium persulphate. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate (BA) were used as the main monomers, while hexafluorobutyl methacrylate (HFMA) and vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) were used as the functional monomers. The resultant latex and its film were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and contact angle determinator, respectively. The optimum conditions of preparing the fluoro-silicone polyacrylate latex are as follows: the amount of compound emulsifiers are 7.0%; β-CD: SLG = 1:2; the amount of initiator is 0.7%; the appropriate proportion of main monomer of MMA: BA = 1:1; and the amounts of HFMA and VTES are 6.0% and 4.0%, respectively. In this case, the resultant latex has high conversion rate, low gel rate and good stability. Results showed that both thermal stability and hydrophobic property of the latex are improved with the incorporation of a small amount of HFMA and VTES.