Synthesis and Characterization of Biobased Poly(farnesene- <i>co</i> -IBOMA) via Emulsion Polymerization Technique for Barrier Paper Coating Application

The development of biobased polymer dispersion using monomers derived from sustainable feedstocks such as trans-β-farnesene (Far) and isobornyl methacrylate (IBOMA) has gained significant attention in recent years due to growing environmental concerns related to replacing conventional monomers like 1,3-butadiene and styrene in poly(styrene-co-butadiene) latexes. In this study, poly(farnesene-co-isobornyl methacrylate) dispersions using different contents of Far/IBOMA were prepared via semibatch emulsion polymerization, and the latexes were evaluated as water-barrier coating. Stable latexes with hydrodynamic particle diameters in the range of 164 to 215 nm and monomer conversions between 52 and 95% were successfully obtained, indicating that the Far/IBOMA ratios affected the hydrodynamic diameter and monomer conversion. Poly(Far-co-IBOMA) samples with glass transition temperatures (Tg) ranging from −45 to +70 °C were obtained, indicating their potential for a wide range of applications. By adjustment of the Far and IBOMA contents, the properties of the polymer latex can be effectively adjusted for paper coating applications. Paper coated with polymer latex containing 70/30 and 50/50 wt % of Far/IBOMA exhibited excellent barrier performance relative to uncoated paper and substantial improvements in water contact angle. The water barrier, measured by the Cobb60 method, decreased from 32.7 g m–2 to 8.8 and 4.9 g m–2, when 70/30 and 50/50 wt % polymer latexes were used. Therefore, the use of biobased poly(Far-co-IBOMA) dispersions provides valuable insights into replacing traditional polymer latexes in the paper packaging industry.