This work demonstrated that through the use of a single surfactant, Calfax 16 L-35, a simple emulsion polymerization process can generate 45% hydrophobic latex with particle size in the range of 100-150 nm at a conversion rate of >98% at the end of a 4-hr reaction, without a chase process.

Using DPOS surfactants in emulsion polymerization of hydrophobic monomers may be a path to replace solventborne coatings and open up markets and applications for waterborne coatings, particularly on metals or on exterior surfaces.