Radical Aqueous Emulsion Copolymerization of Eugenol-Derived Monomers for Adhesive Applications

Biobased monomers derived from eugenol were copolymerized by emulsion polymerization to produce latexes for adhesive applications. Stable latexes containing ethoxy dihydroeugenyl methacrylate and ethoxy eugenyl methacrylate with high total solids content of 50 wt % were obtained and characterized. Latexes synthesis was carried out using a semibatch process, and latexes with particle diameters in the range of 159–178 nm were successfully obtained. Glass transition temperature values of the resulting polymers ranged between −32 and −28 °C. Furthermore, tack and peel measurements confirmed the possibility to use these latexes in adhesive applications.