Influence of Coalescing Aids on Hardness Development and Water Resistance of Alkali-Soluble Resin–Stabilized Latex Films

Alkali-soluble resin (ASR) stabilization can be used in waterborne latexes to improve film formation by hydroplasticization while producing hard final films. However, if the hydroplasticization effect is not enough, coalescing aids (CAs) may need to be introduced in the final coating formulation. The influence of two different CAs, Texanol and Butyl Diglycol, on hardness development and water resistance of ASR-stabilized latex films has been studied. Two different ASR-stabilized emulsion latexes have been prepared with different ASR hydrophilicity. The effect CAs on the minimum film formation temperature, evolution of mechanical properties and water resistance has been analyzed. It has been seen that the use of Texanol has produced harder but less water resistance of films. The choice of a more hydrophobic ASR can improve the water resistance of the films, but the mechanical properties can be compromised.