RESEARCH ON THE THICKENING OF LATEX DISPERSIONS OF ETHYLACRYLATE METHACRYLIC-ACID COPOLYMERS

The thickening effect of latices of ethylacrylate-methacrylic acid copolymers (15, 40, and 65 wt. % of the acid) on latices of ethylacrylate-acrylic acid copolymers (0 and 1 wt. % of the acid) was studied by using dynamic and steady shear flow measurement. It was found that beyond a certain concentration of the thickener the storage modulus G', the loss modulus G", the yield stress values, and thixotropic behavior rapidly increased. At the same time, viscous properties and the flocculation ability of the thickeners prevailed. On the contrary, an increase in acid content in the latex made the elastic properties and flocculation resistance of the system more pronounced. The thickening effect is explained by the formation of an ordered structure. The flocculation behavior is explained by changes of the electrical charge and the free volume.