| Abstract |
Fluorescence decay methods have been used extensively to characterize the formation of polymer films from latex dispersions, a process widely used in the coatings industry. By measuring the polymer chain diffusion at the nanometer scale, this technique enables the quantification of the amount of mixing between polymer particles that ultimately contributes to the formation of a polymer coating with good mechanical properties. This article provides an introduction to fluorescence decay methods, with a strong emphasis on their application to the characterization of latex film formation. Examples are also provided, demonstrating how this technique has been used to help in the understanding of this process in different latex coatings. |
