Challenges to incorporate high contents of bio-based isobornyl methacrylate (IBOMA) into waterborne coatings

Emulsion polymerization of (meth)acrylic bio-based monomers is a promising method to obtain waterborne coatings with reduced carbon footprint. However, the high hydrophobicity some can hinder straightforward incorporation such in dispersions. In this work, we explore copolymerization isobornyl methacrylate (IBOMA) 2-octyl acrylate (2-OA) produce latexes >70 % bio-content suitable for coating applications. First, homopolymerization IBOMA studied gather more information on emulsion monomer producing Tg polymer different surfactants. It found that batch challenging due coagulation during polymerization, likely as result mass transport limitations IBOMA. Interestingly, stable dispersions are achieved when 5 substituted by methyl methacrylate. The stability IBOMA/2-OA copolymer system be dependent both concentration and solids content latex. Thus, provide map copolymers compositions contents showing areas where not-stable obtained.