Synthesis and characterisation of modified antibacterial styrene-acrylate emulsions for polymer cement waterproof coatings

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop the efficiency of styrene-acrylate (SA) emulsions for polymer cement waterproof coatings with improved bacteria resistance and mechanical properties. Design/methodology/approach For effective bacteria resistance and excellent mechanical properties, various concentrations of methacryloxyethylhexadecyl dimethylammonium bromide (MHDB) were synthesised and incorporated into SA emulsions. The properties of SA emulsions modified with MHDB were characterised and compared with those of unmodified ones according to the formulations of polymer cement waterproof coatings. Findings The SA emulsions modified with MHDB exhibited significant enhancement of bacteria resistance and mechanical properties over the unmodified ones. The positive quaternary nitrogen and long-chain alkyl groups of MHDB in SA emulsions could attract phospholipid head groups of bacterial and insert them into the cell wall, which results in biomass leak and bactericidal effect. Moreover, MHDB as a softened monomer was beneficial to the synthesis of SA copolymer with low glass-transition temperature (Tg), then the copolymer and cement would form a more compact film which was the main reason for the enhancement of mechanical properties. Research limitations/implications The modifier MHDB was synthesised from diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAM) and 1-bromohexadecane. Besides, the congeners of MHDB could be synthesised from DEAM and 1-bromododecane, 1-tetradecyl dromide, 1-octadecyl bromide, etc. In addition, the efficiency of other modifications into SA emulsions for antibacterial polymer cement waterproof coatings could be studied as well. Practical implications The method provided a practical solution for the improvement of water-based antibacterial acrylate polymer cement waterproof coatings. Originality/value The method for enhancing bacteria resistance and mechanical properties of the waterproof coating was novel and valuable.