Physical Characterization of Water Dispersed and Soluble Acrylic Polymers

Abstract

The increasingly restrictive anti-pollution legislation which regulates the amount of organic solvent that can be emitted into the atmosphere has generated renewed interest in water-based polymers for general purpose industrial coatings. More specifically, interest in aqueous acrylic polymers is high because of their inherent durability, proven exposure history, and good chemical resistance. This durability characteristic is a reflection of the fact that acrylic polymers, derived from acrylate and/or methacrylate esters, are transparent to natural sunlight and, as such, do not absorb ultraviolet radiation within these wavelengths. Their durability is well attested to by the fact that all U.S. cars are coated with either thermoplastic or thermosetting acrylic finishes. The good chemical resistance is confirmed by the usage of the acrylics as appliance finishes.