Synthesis and characterization of dye-labeled poly(vinyl acetate-butyl acrylate) latex particles and their application to film formation and polymer interdiffusion

This thesis describes experiments that examine film formation and polymer diffusion in poly(vinyl acetate-butyl acrylate) (P(VAc-BA)) latex films. From a practical perspective, this copolymer was chosen as a model for architectural coatings. From a theoretical perspective, this polymer allowed us to investigate polymer diffusion in films of randomly branched polymers. Polymer diffusion was studied by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (ET) measurements. This methodology requires latex particles labeled with donor and acceptor dyes.; Different dye-labeled latex particles were synthesized. Donor-labeled P(VAc-BA) latex particles were prepared with phenanthrene (Phe) as the donor group. Attempts to synthesize latex particles labeled with anthracene (An) as the corresponding acceptor group failed because An derivatives inhibited VAc polymerization. New polymerizable dimethylaminobenzophenone (NBen) derivatives were developed. These NBen derivatives proved to be useful energy transfer acceptors for Phe and they were compatible with VAc polymerization.; A broad series of P(VAc-BA) latex particles labeled with Phe and with NBen were prepared. These latex particles contain significant amounts of gel. This gel has a strong influence on polymer diffusion in latex films. The amount of gel in the polymer could be reduced or eliminated by adding a chain transfer agent to the polymerization reaction.; Fluorescence decay measurements of ET efficiency were used to study polymer diffusion in films of these latex samples. The most important variables that affect the polymer diffusion rate are temperature, molar mass, the nature of phase separation in the latex polymers, and the presence of gel. It was found that temperature enhances the rate of polymer diffusion, while high molar mass and a phase-separated morphology largely slow the rate of polymer diffusion. The presence of gel limits full mixing of polymers in these latex films.