Polymer latex composition for the preparation of an elastomeric film having self-healing properties

Abstract

An aqueous polymer latex composition is described for the preparation of an elastomeric film comprising: (I) particles of a latex polymer obtained by free-radical emulsion polymerization of a mixture of ethylenically unsaturated monomers, the particles bearing functional groups (a); and (II) a cross-linking component selected from monomeric compounds and oligomeric or polymeric compounds that are not prepared be free-radical addition polymerization, the cross-linking component comprising functional groups (b) and (c) that are different from each other, wherein functional group (b) forms upon reaction with functional group (a) a thermally reversible linkage selected from one or more of (i) a linkage having the structural formula wherein X, n, R1 and R2 are as defined; and (ii) a beta-hydroxy ester linkage; and functional groups (c) on different molecules of component (II) are capable of reacting with each other to provide elastomeric films having self-healing properties that can be repaired and recycled.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.