Relaxation Behavior of a Styrene–Acryl Latex Polymer in the Freezing–Thawing Regime

Abstract

Relaxation behavior of a styrene–acryl latex polymer with a vitrification temperature of ≤5°С is analyzed using the method of dynamic mechanic-relaxation spectroscopy and atomic-force microscopy for its further use in frost-resistant compositions as a polymer binder. The change in the intensity of maximum of dissipative losses of α-relaxation and the μ-process is found in polymer films in the negative temperature range as dependent on the duration and number of their preliminary freezing–thawing cycles at–30°С, which indicates a change in the polymer-relaxation structure confirmed by the values of Young’s modulus and modulus defect.