Controlling the particle size of solid-particle-stabilized emulsion polymers is a challenge for coating applications where high-solid-content emulsion polymers are required. Clay-particle-stabilized styrene–acrylic copolymer emulsion was prepared by a seeded semibatch emulsion polymerization process. The effect of the concentrations of clay, peptizing agent, and methacrylic acid on the processing, final particle size, and coagulum of the emulsion polymer was studied. Dynamic light scattering (DLS), dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and field-emission-gun scanning electron microscopy techniques were employed to characterize the emulsion polymers. The kinetics of polymerization were monitored based on the percentage solid conversion, and particle size (DLS) analysis suggested a homogeneous coagulative mechanism. The zeta potential of the polymer particles indicated good stability of the emulsion. A stable, coagulum-free, low particle size (~ 300 nm) emulsion was prepared using clay platelets, and the polymer film exhibited improved thermal and mechanical properties that will make this type of emulsion polymer of great use for coating applications.

对于需要高固含量乳液聚合物的涂料应用，控制固体颗粒稳定乳液聚合物的粒径是一项挑战。粘土颗粒稳定的苯乙烯-丙烯酸共聚物乳液是通过种子半间歇乳液聚合工艺制备的。研究了粘土、胶溶剂和甲基丙烯酸的浓度对乳液聚合物的加工、最终粒度和凝结物的影响。采用动态光散射 (DLS)、动态力学分析、差示扫描量热法和场发射枪扫描电子显微镜技术来表征乳液聚合物。基于固体转化百分比监测聚合动力学，并且粒度 (DLS) 分析表明均相凝结机制。聚合物颗粒的 zeta 电位表明乳液具有良好的稳定性。使用粘土片晶制备了一种稳定、无凝块、小粒径 (~ 300 nm) 的乳液，聚合物薄膜表现出改进的热和机械性能，这将使这种类型的乳液聚合物非常适用于涂料应用。