Synthesis and application of acrylic colloidal unimolecular polymers as a melamine thermoset system

Acrylic polymers were synthesized with a ratio of 1 : 7 or 1 : 8 of acrylic acid to acrylic ester monomers to produce an acid‐rich resin. The polymers were water reduced and solvent was stripped to produce colloidal unimolecular polymers (CUPs). These particles were typically 3–9 nm in diameter depending on the molecular weight. They were then formulated into a clear coating with melamine as the crosslinker with thermal curing. Compared to commercial latex films, these melamine‐cured acrylic CUPs had a distinct advantage of having a near‐zero volatile organic compound, better availability of surface functional groups , and improved water resistance. The coatings were evaluated for their methyl ethyl ketone resistance, adhesion, hardness, gloss, flexibility, abrasion , and impact resistance properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40916.