Latex drying, description

Latexes are usually copolymer systems of two or more monomers, and their total solids content, including polymers, emulsifiers, stabilizers etc. is 40-50% by mass. Most commercially available polymer latexes are based on elastomeric and thermoplastic polymers which form continuous polymer films when dried [88]. The major types of latexes include styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyacrylic ester (PAE) and epoxy resin (EP) which are available both as emulsions and redispersible powders. They are widely used for bridge deck overlays and patching, as adhesives, and integral waterproofers. A brief description of the main types in current use is as follows [87]. 

The following description summarizes what may be occurring during the drying process. At low solids content, evaporation occurs from the water surface increases uniformly until the latex beneath the lowest potion of the meniscus becomes immobilized on the substrate. Where this occurs depends upon the shi of the meniscus, which in turn depends upon the contact ai e of the dispersioi with the substrate. 

---