Studies on polymer latex films: II. Effect of surfactants on the water vapour permeability of polymer latex films

Poly(butyl methacrylate) films have been prepared from surfactant‐free latices which had post‐added commonly used latex stabilisers. Water vapour transmission rates were used to study film permeability in relation to morphology, which was also studied by freeze fracture replication transmission electron microscopy. The extent of latex coalescence depended upon the chemical nature of the stabiliser employed and at monolayer coverage was not necessarily deleterious to the barrier properties of the films.