Preparation of encapsulated aluminum pigments by emulsion polymerization and their characterization

An emulsion polymerization-like process for the encapsulation of commercial aluminum pigments with polymer is discussed. A possible application target is the improvement of the performance of aluminum pigment in waterborne coatings. The effect of the treatment on the stability of the aluminum pigments in the presence of alkaline water was examined. Analytical investigations with SEM, TEM, STEM-EDX, XPS, and TOC were performed and revealed a kind of coagulation mechanism of polymer particles on the pigment surface.