The effect of coalescents with low concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in forming film, morphology and the distribution of phases of latex films is a rarely explored topic in open and patent literature, despite the wide availability of this type of coalescent in the market. To broaden the debate in this area, Oxiteno’s Researcher Juliane Pereira Santos will address this topic at The Waterborne Symposium. This is an annual event focused on water-based technologies in the paints and coatings segment, which is held in New Orleans (LA/USA) this week. 

The presentation by the specialist, who holds a Post-Doctorate degree in Synthesis, Structure and Properties of Polymeric Latexes, will be focused on the effect of this type of coalescent on film formation and the nanostructure of the latex films obtained based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies.

Among other discoveries, the project demonstrated that formulations containing coalescents with low VOC concentrations normally generate more coalesced films with less surface roughness than those containing standard high-VOC coalescents. Another important point is that a majority of coalescents with low VOC concentrations promote a separation of phases with distinct viscoelastic properties throughout the film. These findings will be presented by Juliane Pereira Santos during The Waterborne Symposium on February 23 at 11:00 am, in the New Orleans Marriott hotel.