Cryomicroscopy of Latex and Latex Films

Latexes are dispersions of homopolymers and copolymers, usually in water. Uses of these latexes are many such as protective coatings and adhesives. In order to form a continuous film the polymer must have film forming properties such as a low glass transition temperature (Tg). Latexes are being designed such as one polymer in the core of the particle and a shell of another polymer or perhaps a series of shell layers. Microscopy has become a powerful tool in the examination of the morphology of the latex particles. Because of the use of low Tg polymers, sample preparation and examination by electron microscopy at temperatures above the Tg of the polymer causes the particles to become distorted and no longer representative of their true morphology. Low temperature methods therefore have become crucial in the field of latex microscopy.