The thermal behaviors of latexes: Wet latex glass transition temperatures

The thermal behaviors of latexes were studied by using MicroCal MC-2 Scanning Calorimeter which is a differential scanning micro-calorimeter capable of handling fluids under pressure. The MC-2 unit was found to be uniquely capable of measuring not only the glass transition temperatures (Tg's) of wet latexes, but also the extent of annealing (enthalpy relaxation) that has a profound impact on the deformability of latex particles and, in turn, the film formation of latexes. The effects of polar monomers, the neutralization of carboxylated latexes, and coalescing agents on the wet latex Tg's were also studied.