Butyl Acrylate/2-Methylene-1,3-Dioxepane/Vinyl Acetate Emulsion Terpolymerization: Incorporating Backbone Degradable...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Sustainable Polymers

Background:

• Bio-based monomers can improve polymer degradability.
• 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane (MDO) is a bio-based monomer for ring-opening polymerization.
• Emulsion polymerization offers a sustainable route for polymer synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize butyl acrylate (BA)/MDO/vinyl acetate (VAc) terpolymers for pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs).
• To address challenges in MDO emulsion polymerization, including hydrolysis, ring retention, and distribution.
• To enhance PSA properties using carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (cCNCs).

Main Methods:

• Emulsion polymerization of BA/MDO/VAc terpolymers.
• Optimization of reaction conditions (pH, temperature) to control MDO polymerization.
• Incorporation of carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (cCNCs) into the polymer matrix.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized BA/MDO/VAc terpolymers with enhanced degradability potential.
• Mitigated MDO hydrolysis and ring retention through controlled reaction conditions.
• Achieved uniform MDO distribution within the terpolymer matrix.
• Demonstrated enhanced PSA properties upon cCNCs incorporation.

Conclusions:

• Optimized emulsion polymerization conditions enable effective utilization of MDO in terpolymers.
• The developed terpolymers show promise for sustainable PSA applications.
• Incorporation of cCNCs further improves the performance of these bio-based adhesives.