Latex Film Formation in the Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope

Summary: Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) was used to study the film formation mechanisms and extent of coalescence of three acrylic latex compositions with different glass transition temperatures ( T g ), here defined as standard‐low T g , standard‐high T g (both carboxymethyl cellulose‐ stabilised) and novel (stabilised with a novel polysaccharide derived from agricultural waste). The ESEM analysis revealed that the microstructure of the standard – low‐ T g system consisted of individual particles in dispersion and upon evaporation a continuous film formed, whereas in the case of the standard ‐ high T g latex particle deformation was not observed, but particle aggregation resulted in the formation of crystal‐like structures that have formed via the formation of stacking faults. However, in the case of the novel system the microstructure consisted of individual particles and clusters and during evaporation a discontinuous film formed with voids present within its structure and some of the clusters accumulating on the surface of the specimens.