Measurement of particle size distribution of polymer latexes / editors Luis M. Gugliotta, Jorge R. Vega.

The particle size distribution (PSD) of a polymer latex is an important characteristic because it usually affects several processing, formulation, and end-use properties of materials when used as adhesives, coatings, and inks. The PSD can also influence particle-nucleation, particle-growth, and particle-interaction in emulsion and dispersion polymerization processes, and the stability of the resulting polymer colloids. In the case of latexes for coatings formulation, the PSD can modify characteristics such as the gloss or the opacity of the film, its hardness, and the drying time. This book includes review chapters written by specialists in the field of measurement of PSD of polymer latexes, and provides the reader with most important concepts regarding available techniques and measurement interpretation. Main characterization techniques are critically discussed, including Direct Observation Methods, Ensemble Techniques, and Fractionation Methods.