How Does pH Impact the Polymerization of
Functional Monomers?
By Emulsion Polymers Consulting and Education (EPCEd)
Video credit: ilyast / Creatas V1ideo, via Getty Images
March 4, 2022
Most emulsion polymerization formulations include ~1-3% of a functional monomer such as
acrylic, methacrylic or itaconic acid. Typically acid functional monomers are used, although for
some products basic monomers such as DMAEMA (dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate) are also
used in some applications. What do all of these monomers have common? They all contain
functional groups that can exist in either a neutral or charged state, depending on the pH of the
latex. Acid monomers exist in an anionic form at neutral or basic pH, while basic monomers
exist in a cationic form at neutral or acidic pH.
Understanding this behavior is critical to ensuring the functional monomer ends up where it is
supposed to be, ideally on the surface of the particle where it is able to provide additional
colloidal stability to the latex. However if the reaction conditions are not carefully selected and
controlled, it is possible for much, or even most, of the functional monomer to end up in the
aqueous phase as water-soluble polymer or oligomer.
How do you know what pH range to select to ensure functional monomer resides on the particle
surface? Although in the final product we want the functional monomer to be in its charged
state to make the latex more stable, somewhat paradoxically we want the functional monomer
to be in its neutral state during the emulsion polymerization. In its neutral state the monomer is
relatively more hydrophobic and therefore partitions better into the particle and has a chance to
polymerize at or near the surface; in its charged state the monomer is more likely to form
polymer in the aqueous phase.
For most acid monomers, the ideal polymerization pH range is typically around 2-3, while for
many basic monomers a pH range of about 9-10 is usually more suitable. However these values
depend on the particular monomers you are using, and a detailed understanding of the pH
chemistry is required. Only when the polymerization is complete is the latex pH changed to
ionize the functional groups and provide additional latex stability. With acid monomers, pH is
adjusted to about 8-9.
This subject is treated in detail in several of our STEP’n workshops. We welcome comments and
further discussion of this topic. Please contact us via our website www.epced.com.
The “Did You Know….?” series is a bi-monthly note from Emulsion Polymers Consulting and
Education (EPCEd) that is intended to present simple questions about topics that are
important to those working in the emulsion polymers area. Short and concise answers to
those questions are presented to educate readers and to elicit comments and further
discussion. Some readers will already know the answers and be familiar with the topic, while
others, especially those newer to the field, will benefit from the answers and discussion.
Experienced practitioners may also find new insights in the discussion. Paint & Coatings
Industry magazine has partnered with EPCEd to share the “Did You Know” notes with our
readers throughout the year.
KEYWORDS: Monomers
Share This Story
By Emulsion Polymers Consulting and Education (EPCEd)
Related Articles
How Will Functional
Binders for Low-VOC
Architectural Coatings
Impact the Global
Construction Industry?
See More
The Use of Specialty
Acrylate and Methacrylate
Monomers in Emulsion
Polymerization
See More
How Does Humidity
Impact Surface
Preparation and Coating
Performance?
See More
Related Products
See More Products
Principles and
Applications of Emulsion
Polymerization
Increasing the Durability
of Paint and Varnish
Coatings in Building
Products and Construction
1st Edition
See More Products
Events
View AllSubmit An Event
September 8, 2022
Disrupting Climate
Change: How 100% Bio-
Based Ethoxylated
Derivates Will Impact
Sustainability Targets and
Imminent Regulatory
Requirements
On Demand Implementing a responsible materials program based on 100% bio-based ethoxylates can make
an enormous impact on transforming that balance; surfactants and ethylene oxide derivatives offer carbon-
negative solutions that set a path toward rebalancing the carbon cycle and addressing climate disruptions.
View AllSubmit An Event
Related Directories
Kowa American Corp.
The widest selection of specialty and UV-curable monomers, including HEMA, HEA, 4-HBA, GMA, t-
BMA, IBOA, THFA, CTFA and acrylamides. Also organic and inorganic microspheres, HDI isocyanates,
Polyols and VOC-exempt solvents DMC and PCBTF. Specialty polyurethane dispersions and Actflow low-
MW functional and reactive acrylic polymers.
U.S. Silica Co./EP
Minerals LLC
EP Minerals- A U.S. Silica Company offers Celatom® Flux Calcined and Natural Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
and perlite for the paint and coatings industry. These functional additives provide highly efficient matting
and impact texture and rheology. MIN-U-SIL® is natural, fine ground silica of high-purity and quality
offered in multiple particle size distributions.
U.S. Silica Co./EP
Minerals LLC
EP Minerals- A U.S. Silica Company offers Celatom® flux calcined and natural diatomaceous earth (DE)
and perlite for the paint and coatings industry. These functional additives provide highly efficient matting
and impact texture and rheology. MIN-U-SIL® is natural, fine ground silica of high-purity and quality
offered in multiple particle size distributions.
Get our new eMagazine
delivered to your inbox every
month.
Stay in the know on the latest paint
& coating industry trends.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Copyright ©2022. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.
Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing
