Because of environmental concerns, aqueous polymer dispersions are important binding raw materials for plasters and coatings. Particles with phase-separated morphology, like core-shell copolymers, are responsible for unique and tailor-made mechanical and physico-chemical properties. These copolymers are gaining interest in coatings and in the thick coatings industries. Morphology, preparation, properties and comparison of heterogeneous polymers with random species are discussed in this article.
During the last four decades, polymer dispersions prepared in an emulsion polymerization process were widely introduced as binders in waterborne (W/B) coatings, plasters and renderings. Final product parameters are very dependent on type and properties of polymers applied. Often, tailor-made polymers with proper monomer choice and type of morphology are used as raw materials to fulfill the most demanding applications.Acrylic and EVA copolymers are developed to overcome the drawbacks of traditional vinyl acetate copolymers such as water sensitivity, rapid hydrolysis in the presence of alkalis, poor elasticity and limited adhesion in humid environment...