Synthesis and characterization of core-shell latex: Effect of fluorinated acrylic monomer on properties of polyacrylates

A series of core-shell latexes were synthesized by seed emulsion polymerization with methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), methacrylic acid (MAA) and a novel fluorinated monomer, in which process, the novel fluorinated acrylic monomer (FA, reacting toluene diisocyanate with perfluorooctanol and HEMA) was applied in shell. FT-IR and ¹⁹F NMR spectra proved that the novel fluorinated acrylic monomer was incorporated into the copolymer chains. TEM and Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses demonstrated that latex particles with core-shell structure were obtained, and particle size distribution became broad after adding FA monomer. AFM measurement showed the films prepared from core-shell latexes exhibited different surface roughness; as amount of fluorinated acrylic monomer increased from 0 wt% to 12 wt% of total monomers in emulsion polymerization, the film surface roughness was enhanced from 0.33 nm to 1.67 nm, and water contact angle increased with film surface roughness. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that a certain amount of FA monomer was preferable to improve thermal stability of the copolymer. Abrasion test of the films indicated that FA monomer was beneficial to increase abrasion performance of the films.