Aqueous PUA emulsion prepared by dispersing polyurethane prepolymer in polyacrylate emulsion

Waterborne polyurethane/polyacrylate (PUA) emulsions were prepared by dispersing polyurethane (PU) prepolymer in polyacrylate (PA) emulsion; therefore, the PU particles formed in the presence of PA nanoparticles. The particle size and its distribution of the composite PUA emulsion were determined by dynamic light scattering. The result shows that the average particle size increases initially and then decreases with increasing PA content, which is confirmed by transmission electron microscope characterization. The surface properties of PUA films were analyzed by water contact angle and atomic force microscope topography. It indicates that the water contact angle and the average roughness of the composite PUA films are larger than those of the PU film. Meanwhile, mechanical properties test, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analyses disclose that the PUA films are characterized by enhanced tensile strength, rough fractured surface, and good thermal stability. The preparation method proposed in this article is an effective and convenient way to manufacture composite PUA emulsion. The composite PUA emulsion can be potentially used in coatings. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43203.