Synthesis of nonionic polyacrylate emulsions: coatings for digital inkjet printing

Nonionic polyacrylate (NPA) emulsions were synthesized through emulsion polymerization employing methyl methacrylate (MMA), lauryl methacrylate (LMA), butyl acrylate (BA), hydroxypropyl acrylate (HPA), acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA), and N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide (NHEMAA) for raw materials. Later, some additives were mixed into the emulsion to create a printing coating which was used for digital inkjet printing on fabric surfaces. The effects of different MMA/LMA ratios on the properties of NPA emulsions were discussed and analyzed. In addition, the particle morphology, chemical structure, and surface morphology of the printed coatings of NPA emulsions were also characterized. The results showed that the highest absolute value of zeta potential and the most stable and relatively good properties of the emulsions were obtained at a ratio of 3:2 MMA/LMA. As the ratio of MMA/LMA increased, the screen blocking performance decreased, and the color intensity, rubbing fastness, and washing fastness all improved. Furthermore, the addition of NHEMAA improved the application performance of the printing coating. The optimal application performance of the printing coating, made from NPA emulsion, was achieved when using a MMA/LMA ratio of 3:2 and adding 2 wt% NHEMAA.