Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of Bio-Based Polyacrylate Latex Pressure Sensitive Adhesives

Abstract

The ever-increasing demand for environmentally friendly materials pushes the urgent development of sustainable pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs). In this study, nonylphenol-free reactive emulsifiers (ER-10 & SR-10) were utilized to successfully synthesize bio-based PSAs, containing bio-based monomers isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) and isobornyl methacrylate (IBOMA), through a monomer-starved semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerization process. The effects of incorporating IBOA and IBOMA on the properties of the resulting latex copolymers and PSA films were comprehensively investigated. FTIR and 1H NMR analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of IBOA and IBOMA into the copolymer backbone. The introduction of IBOA and IBOMA was found to increase the zeta potential of the latex and glass transition temperature of the latex films. Additionally, higher IBOA and IBOMA contents led to a decrease in thermal stability and an improvement in water resistance of the PSA films. Furthermore, as the content of IBOA and IBOMA increased from 0 to 40 wt.%, the PSA films exhibited excellent shear strength (> 72 h), with loop tack and peel strength initially increasing and then decreasing. This study offers a novel approach for designing waterborne bio-based acrylate PSAs with tailored Tg and excellent adhesive performance, expanding the potential for sustainable adhesive applications.