Performance in paper coating of styrene/acrylate copolymer latex

Copolymer latexes of styrene and acrylates (mainly butyl acrylate) were synthesized. Sodium dodecyl sulfate and ethoxylated nonyl phenol containing ten ethylene oxide units were used as surfactants, and potassium persulfate was used as initiator. Coating for paper was made based on the copolymer latexes with white pigments. The performances of coated paper were measured. By varying experimental conditions such as comonomer proportion and amounts of emulsifiers and of initiator, a copolymeric latex suitable for paper coating was prepared. Paper coated with the latex showed satisfactory properties in glossiness, smoothness as well as ink absorbability. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.