What is an Acrylic Polymer Emulsion?

Defining a Polymer

Next, we need to take a look at polymers. A polymer is defined as a large molecule composed of many repeating subunits. Both natural and synthetic polymers are an essential part of everyday life. From familiar synthetic plastics, like polystyrene, to natural biopolymers such as DNA and the proteins that are fundamental building blocks of all biological life on earth. When working with water based acrylic polymers, polymer coatings, and acrylic polymer emulsions, we find ourselves on the synthetic side of the polymer world.

…and Acrylics?

This brings us to acrylics. Acrylic resins are a group of thermoplastic substances derived from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and other related compounds. More specifically, polymethyl acrylate is an acrylic resin used in its emulsified form for textile finishes, adhesives, lacquer, and other related products. Acrylic resins offer a huge advantage when used as an ingredient in paint. They are commonly the main ingredient in latex paint (known as “emulsion paint” in the UK). Both interior and exterior paints that have a greater portion of acrylic resin, versus vinyl, provide greater resistance to water, better stain protection, better adhesion, greater resistance to blistering and cracking, and resistance to alkali cleaners. Acrylic resin is considered to be extremely waterproof, making it ideal for application to outdoor appliances and furniture. In its solid form, acrylic resin can last for decades, and will not yellow when exposed to sunlight.

Acrylic polymer emulsions and other water based acrylic polymer products are important tools for the graphic arts and industrial coating industries. Gellner Industrial produce a line of specialty resins that can be utilized for a wide range of applications in these industries. These resins are formulated with a precise blend of water-based polymers, and provide superior results when used in water base coatings and printing inks.