Emulsifier-free (meth)acrylic colloids stabilized by cationic monomer containing two charged moieties

Emulsifier-free cationic polymer colloids produced by emulsion polymerization have gained important relevance for diverse applications. However, the control of colloidal characteristics is still challenging due to the cationic monomers structure, in which the charge is placed between two hydrophobic moieties making them less efficient in providing colloidal stabilization. This challenge was confronted by employing a minor quantity of cationic monomer containing two charges, styrenic 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, to provide colloidal stability to waterborne (meth)acrylic dispersions. For first time, high throughput production of cationic dispersions with controlled colloidal and film properties is achieved. High solids content stable dispersions comprising monodispersed particles with 170 nm average diameter and high charge density ranging 24–180 μC·cm−2 are produced, giving rise to films with tunable mechanical and water resistance. This work offers a novel concept for colloidal stabilization of polymer colloids and can be extended towards stabilization of challenging colloidal dispersions or design of novel surfactants.