An Investigation into the Impact of Powder Types on Latex Dispersibility Index and Pigment Binding Capacity in Acrylic-Styrene Latexes

The present study aims to explore the impact of different types of powder on the latex dispersibility index and pigment binding capacity in Acrylic-Styrene latexes. The methodology employed in this study involves investigating the latex dispersibility index by monitoring the Brookfield viscosity of pre-wetted powder when added to latex. Furthermore, the pigment binding capacity of the powders was evaluated through the wet scrub resistance of the latex paint. The findings from this study emphasize the importance of the size, shape, hydrophobicity, and hydrophilicity of powders in influencing the dispersibility of latex. Additionally, the physical and chemical properties of the powder also influence the binding strength between the powder and latex in the dried film. The implications of this study are discussed in terms of the ability to predict the powder-latex dispersion behavior using the viscosity-latex content curve for each type of powder. The results revealed that the maximum viscosity for the latex mixtures containing talc powder and calcium carbonate occurs at the amount of latex lower than 5 g. In contrast, the mixtures with titanium dioxide powder reach their maximum viscosity in the presence of higher than 10 g latex. Overall, this paper provides valuable insights into the characteristics of powders and their impact on the latex dispersibility index and pigment binding capacity in Acrylic-Styrene-based latexes.