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A waterborne coatings
is a coatings that is "born from water". The polymer component of
a waterborne coating is synthesized in water, using emulsion
polymerization techniques. The advantages of waterborne coatings
is that once they are synthesized the emulsion polymer, or latex,
can be used immediately. The monomers used in waterborne coatings
are not soluable in water, but with the use of surfactants can be emulsified
in water and then polymerized. The polymers are synthesized using
a free radical process. The three
main types of waterborne coatings are the all-acrylic, vinyl-acrylic, and
styrene acrylics.
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The monomers and polymers are emulsified using a surfactant. The term surfactant is a contraction of the term surface active agent and refers to any material which is capable of reducing the surface energy of a liquid at relatively low concentrations. The are four main types of surfantacts; anionic, cationic, non-ionic, and zwitterionic, however only the anionic and non-ionic surfanctants are used in developing waterborne coatings. An example of a surfactant is depicted below, this is an anionic surfactant:
The surfactant surrounds the monomers and polymer and
allows them to remain in the water. The product of an emulsion polymerization
is termed a latex. This latex, with the addition of pigments and
additives, can be used as a coating. These types of coatings we are
all familiar with and are called water based latex paints. The main
use for these particular coatings is for the interior and exterior of your
house.
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