Structural changes of latex particles of ethyl acrylate—methacrylic acid copolymers during neutralization in the presence of methanol

Using a combination of static light scattering, potentiometry, and viscometry, structural changes of latex particles of ethyl acrylate—methacrylic acid (20–70 wt%) copolymers during neutralization in the presence of methanol were investigated. It was found that the latex particles disintegrate into small subparticles, swell, and at a high content of methacrylic acid units dissolve. Disintegration of latex particles is explained by considering the particles as agglomerates formed during polymerization by coalescence of smaller particles.