Veova-9/(meth)acrylates, a New Class of Emulsion Copolymers

VeoVa 9, the vinyl ester of a highly branched monocarboxylic acid containing 9 carbon atoms, is usually copolymerised with VeoVa 10, and/or vinyl acetate, to produce high-quality latices for emulsion paints. It has been found recently that VeoVa 9 is also an attractive comonomer for (meth)acrylics. For example, VeoVa 9/methyl methacrylate/butyl acrylate copolymer latices having widely different monomer ratios and a good monomer conversion can be prepared readily. The use of the three monomers in combination allows the design of emulsion polymers for widely varying applications. Products having glass transition temperatures between -40 and +100-degrees-C and a water resistance superior to that of their VeoVa-9-free analogues, the all-acrylics, can be made. Independent of each other, the polymer properties can be adapted easily to the specific end-use requirements by a correct choice of the ratio of monomers. In view of their attractive performance the VeoVa 9/(meth)acrylate-copolymer latices are considered to show considerable promise, for instance, as binders in high-quality aqueous paints, such as glossy emulsion paints, metal paints, tile coatings, wood stains and top-quality flat wall paints.