Power-law decay of conductance during the drying of latex paints

The drying of latex paint films in a natural environment has been followed by measurements of the AC conductance of the films. Three stages in the drying have been observed with the first two being related to evaporation of water from the bulk of the film, in accordance with mechanical measurements. The third and final stage has been characterised by a power-law decay in the conductance and has been interpreted as the elimination of a percolation network as particles coalesce, thereby cutting the conduction paths.