Synthesis and characterization of polystyrene-acrylate/polysiloxane (PSA/PSi) core shell polymers and evaluation of their properties for high durable exterior coatings

Poly acrylic siloxane coatings are generating a lot of interest due to their high durability and superior performance properties in different applications. However, synthesis of high siloxane containing acrylic binder through emulsion polymerization is a challenge. Herein, we present a study on the synthesis and characterization of polystyrene-acrylate/polysiloxane core shell latex systems through regular seeded emulsion polymerization. Hybrid polymers have been characterized for their physical, chemical, thermal and surface properties using different characterizing techniques like FTIR, DSC, DMA, SEM, TEM, DLS and contact angle measurements. Incorporation of polysiloxane in the shell of the polymer particle was found to improve hydrophobicity and mechanical properties. Exterior paints prepared using the hybrid polymers as binders exhibited superior performance properties like weather ability and dirt pick up resistance.