Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Colloidal polymers, and in particular aqueous polymer dispersions, are widely used in commercial applications such as coatings and adhesives. Historically, the solvent resistance and mechanical properties of these systems have been improved by covalently crosslinking the polymer chains after drying. More recently, work has been directed toward replacing this covalent crosslinking, which typically involves highly reactive functional groups, by physical crosslinking through the use of supramolecular interactions. While conceptually similar to the use of covalent crosslinking, physical crosslinking has a unique influence on the rheology of the polymer, which leads to substantial differences in the development of mechanical strength during drying, as well as the mechanical properties of the final polymer film. In this perspective, the advantages and challenges of this approach are outlined, and an outlook for future research in this direction is provided.
Authors: Nicholas Ballard, Nerea Jimenez, José M. Asua
Institutions: Ikerbasque, University of the Basque Country, Polymat
Language: English
Subfield: Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes
Field: Chemical Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,150
OpenAlex ID: W4402395761