Synthesis and Characterization of Emulsion Paint Binder from a Copolymer Composite of Dimethylol Urea/Polystyrene

Abstract

Abstract

In our desire to reduce formaldehyde emission from urea formaldehyde resin (UF), dimethylol urea (DMU) was synthesized. Liquid polystyrene (PS) obtained from waste PS material was copolymerized by blending with the DMU at varying concentrations (10–70%). Infrared spectra infers a reactive blending between DMU and PS, while some physical property tests carried out reveals reduction in moisture uptake, rigidity and further reduction in formaldehyde emission among the favorable changes in the properties of the DMU/PS copolymer composite compared to the pure DMU. Results obtained from the physical characterization were compared with those reported for some binders in the coating industry to further ascertain the quality of the DMU/PS copolymer composite. The results portray DMU/PS copolymer resin as a binder for emulsion paint formulation.

Keywords: Urea formaldehyde, polystyrenes, copolymer composite, paint binder

Cite this Article

Osemeahon SA, Nkafamiya II, Maitera ON, Akinterinwa A. Synthesis and Characterization of an Emulsion Paint Binder from a Copolymer Composite of Dimethylol Urea/Polystyrene. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2015; 3(2): 11–21p