Dr. Azhar Awan

Co-Authors: David Vanzin and Nimal Jayasuriya
Cytec Industries Inc.

Many surfactants are derived from petroleum based raw materials and consumer, industry and governmental groups are forcing the chemical industry to look for substitute products based on naturally derived and renewable raw materials that are sustainable, safe and environmentally friendly. In an effort to address this unmet market need, a number of experimental sustainable surfactants were synthesized. These experimental surfactants were analyzed for CMC, VOC, solids, surface tension, foam, F/T stability and color. They were then screened for their functionality as primary emulsifiers in acrylics and vinyl acrylics emulsion polymer seed synthesis. Surfactants which showed promising results in the seed latex synthesis were then utilized to synthesize high solids, full-blown acrylic, and vinyl acrylic latexes via both seeded and insitu seeded processes. The performance of these candidates in the emulsion polymerization processes were compared with various industrial bench marks. The paper will present information demonstrating that at 1.5% concentrations these sustainable surfactants offer excellent suitability and versatility for the synthesis of acrylics and vinyl acrylics high solid latexes and also offered superior and clean processes. Information will also be presented on the influence of these surfactants on latex stability, freeze thaw performance and particle size. Data will also be presented on the influence of the experimental surfactants on latex film appearance, blush, adhesion and block properties. Audience feedback and interest will assist in shaping future project direction