Effect of alkali-soluble resin emulsifiers on coalescence and interdiffusion between latex polymer particles

Coalescence and interdiffusion during film formation of waterborne polymers stabilized by commercial high T (g) alkali-soluble resins (ASRs) were evaluated through environmental scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence resonance energy transfer. The observed effects were used to justify the mechanical properties. The presence of a hard barrier between particles that increased the coalescence temperature and hindered interdiffusion was responsible for the poor properties of the films casted at room temperatures and the enhanced behaviour when films were annealed at much higher temperatures.