Polymer latex for ultraviolet absorption on different substrates

Abstract

A process for the production of an ultra violet absorbing polymer latex is provided. The inventive process involves the emulsion polymerization of a benzotriazole- or benzophenone-containing monomer with a vinyl functional monomer in the presence of a chain transfer agent, preferably 1-dodecanethiol. The latex provides excellent long-lasting, easy to apply, difficult to remove, ultraviolet absorption properties for many different substrates, most notably fabrics. Different articles and fabrics coated, covered, laminated, and the like, with the inventive latex are also provided.

What we claim is:  
     
         1 . An ultraviolet absorbing latex composition comprising at least two components therein, a first being a UV-absorbing monomer, and a second being an acrylate monomer, wherein the ratio of said first component to said second component is from 25:75 to about 40:60, and wherein said latex, when applied to a fabric substrate, imparts an ultraviolet absorbance between the wavelengths of 300 and 400 nm of at least 1.0 thereto said fabric, and wherein said latex, when applied to the same fabric substrate, imparts a colorlightfastness level (ΔE*) in accordance with The Engineering Society for Advancing Mobility Land Sea Air and Space Textile Test method SAE J-1885 of at most 2.50 when present in an amount of at most 3.5% owf of said fabric substrate.