Selective Synthesis and Optimization of Acrylic Latexes for Chemically Produced Toner Applications

ABSTRACT This study presents the modification of styrene‐acrylic latexes through the incorporation of a multifunctional ester monomer (MFM) to evaluate its effect on polymer properties and its applicability in electrophotographic chemically produced toners (CPT) formulations. MFM is synthesized via an 8 h esterification reaction using 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate and adipic acid in a 2:1 M ratio, catalyzed by 1% (w/w) p‐toluenesulfonic acid. Reaction progress is monitored through acid value determination and thin‐layer chromatography. The structure of MFM is elucidated via FT‐IR, 1 H NMR, and 13 C NMR spectroscopy. Modified emulsions with a solid content in a range of 45% to 50% are formulated via free radical emulsion copolymerization using butyl acrylate and styrene in a 1:4 (w/w) ratio, incorporating 0% to 8% (w/w) MFM. The emulsions are characterized using FT‐IR, differential light scattering (DLS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to evaluate their suitability for CPT formulations. A gradual increase in particle size from 0.119 to 0.166 μm was observed with rising MFM content. DSC analysis showed a corresponding increase in glass transition temperature ( T g ) from 55°C to 62°C. Conversely, a reduction in melt flow index (MFI) from 4.20 to 1.65 g/10 min indicated enhanced thermal resistance and reduced flowability.