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Kinetics of Void Closure of PS/PMMA Core-Shell Lattices during Dry Sintering
Chunyan Zhou1,2, Mike He3, Zhong Zeng3
1State Key Laboratory of Polymer Science and Technology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|November 4, 2025
Summary
This study investigates the structural evolution of polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS/PMMA) latex films during thermal annealing. Understanding void closure kinetics is key to optimizing film properties for coatings and adhesives.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Continuous films from latex particles with high glass transition temperatures (Tg) are formed via dry sintering.
- This process involves particle packing, deformation, void closure, and polymer chain interdiffusion.
- Understanding these structural changes is vital for optimizing film properties in coatings, adhesives, and advanced materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the kinetics of structural evolution in polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS/PMMA) core-shell latex particles during thermal annealing.
- To analyze the void closure process using the Avrami equation and extract kinetic parameters.
- To determine the apparent activation energy of void closure for rational film design.
Main Methods:
- Utilized small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to monitor structural evolution.
- Applied the Avrami equation to quantify the kinetics of void closure.
- Calculated the characteristic half-time for void closure (t1/2) and apparent activation energy.
Main Results:
- The study successfully characterized the structural evolution of PS/PMMA latex films during thermal annealing.
- Kinetic parameters for void closure were extracted using the Avrami equation, providing a characteristic half-time (t1/2).
- The apparent activation energy for the void closure process was calculated, offering insights into the underlying mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- The kinetics of void closure in PS/PMMA latex films during dry sintering were successfully elucidated.
- The Avrami equation provides a robust framework for analyzing void closure kinetics and determining activation energy.
- This research offers valuable insights for the rational design and optimization of latex-based films with tailored performance characteristics.
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