Abstract:
The present technology generally relates to emulsion polymer latexes, particularly those used in pressure sensitive adhesives, paints and coatings. Surfactant compositions of the present technology for use in forming at least one emulsion polymer latex comprise at least one branched surfactant, at least one sterically bulky surfactant, or a mixture of branched and sterically bulky surfactants. One preferred surfactant composition comprises at least one alkoxylated polyaryl substituted aromatic compound or at least one alkoxylated polyalkyl substituted aromatic compound. Another preferred surfactant composition comprises a mixture of at least one branched-alkyl sulfate and at least one ethoxylated polystyrylphenol. Another preferred surfactant composition comprises at least one sulfated polystyrylphenol.