Latexes are currently undergoing extensive research and development as replacements for many solvent-based systems, in fields as diverse as adhesives, inks, drug delivery systems, coatings, floor polishes, films, paints, medical assay kits, carpet backing, and cosmetics. Latex is also used to alter properties of other materials — examples include impact modification of polystyrene and improvement of tensile properties in cement. This review covers emulsion polymerisation methods, quality control and characterization, classification of emulsion polymers, and various current and potential applications.

From the Introduction: “This article will provide a general overview of the emulsion polymerisation process and explain how the resulting latexes are used in industrial applications. An introduction to the basic concepts of emulsion polymers will be given, followed by a description of the various production processes and characterisation methods. The classes of emulsion polymers will be surveyed, and the commercial technologies and potential future uses discussed...Latexes are liquids (typically aqueous) in which microscopic polymer particles are dispersed. Latexes start out as monomer emulsions (i.e., monomer droplets immiscibly dispersed in water). The emulsions are subsequently polymerised to form latexes...”

Rapra Review Reports contain a brief overview of the topic, followed by extensive references, with abstracts, from the Rapra database. They serve as condensed, valuable research tools for scientists, technologists, and other researchers working with rubber or plastics materials.

Table of Contents:

General Introduction

Scientific Principles

Emulsion Polymerisation Processes

Latex Preparation

Latex Characterisation

Classes of Emulsion Polymers

Industrial Applications

Specialised and Potential Applications

Additional References

References and Abstracts

Subject Index