VISIOMER® Specialty METHACRYLATEs FOR EMULSION POLYMERIZATION
Emulsion polymer resins are made from methacrylate monomers that are not miscible with water and thus form discrete droplets. Droplet diameter and dispersion can be controlled through agitation speed, emulsifier and stabilizer. Methacrylate monomers are then typically polymerized to resin particles at ambient temperature, and are 'ready to use' for various applications. Protective, adhesive and decorative properties are achieved with specialty monomers, pigments and dyes.
Due to low-VOC regulations, emulsion polymers typically hold a strong position in coatings for automotive, wood and construction applications. Resins with superior chemical resistance are obtained with hydroxy-group containing methacrylates that can be crosslinked, e.g. with diisocyanates. All methacrylate resins demonstrate superior weatherability, for instance in architectural applications. Emulsion polymers are convenient to handle and easily applied to any substrate. Specialty monomers, such as VISIOMER® MEEU, help solve adhesion problems, e.g. between old alkyd paints and waterborne trim coatings. For more detailed information, please also refer to the paints and coatings.
Due to their tremendous versatility, emulsion polymers can be found literally everywhere. Next to robust weathering properties, emulsion polymers must show excellent film formation and water permeability. VISIOMER® specialty methacrylates are suitable for tailoring the desired properties of the methacrylic resin. Emulsion Polymers are used for the formulation of paints and coatings, plastics and pressure-sensitive adhesives. Furthermore, waterborne methacrylate resins with cationic groups offer the ideal properties for flocculation and coagulation in papermaking and water treatment applications.