Post-polymerization of waterborne alkyd/acrylics. Effect on polymer architecture and particle morphology

The limiting conversion commonly attained in the synthesis of waterborne alkyd/acrylic hybrid latexes hinders their industrialization. In this work, the mechanisms causing the limiting conversion were studied and post-polymerization conditions to efficiently remove the residual monomer determined. Further, it was observed that both the polymer architecture and the particle morphology were modified during post-polymerization. The mechanisms involved in the modification were investigated. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.