Abstract: To improve the the potentials of an emulsion paint binder production from urea formaldehyde, trimethylol urea (TMU) was synthesized and copolymerized by blending at varying concentrations (0 – 50%) with dissolved polyethylene (PE) waste. The blends were subjected to such tests as formaldehyde emission, moisture uptake and elongation at break, among others. Formaldehyde emission and moisture uptake of the blends decreases while the elongation at break increases with increase in the amount of PE. These basically show an improvement in the challenging properties of urea formaldehyde resins, that limits its utility as a binder in an emulsion paint formulation. Infrared spectra show the incorporation of the PE in the TMU, as the blends spectra intermeddle the spectra of PE and TMU. TMU/PE composite produced in this work therefore is more environmental friendly as an emulsion paint binder, and has improved such limiting properties as brittleness and high moisture uptake, compared to the pure TMU. The work also potentiates PE waste recycling.
 
Key words: Urea formaldehyde, Polyethylene, Copolymer composite, Paint binder.

Cite: E.T. Idowu-Oyewole, Osemeahon S.A., Peter Michael Dass and Ayodele Akinterinwa, "Synthesis and Characterization of an Emulsion Paint Binder from a Copolymer Composite of Trimethylol Urea/Polyethylene," International Journal of Materials Science and Engineering, Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 161-171, September 2016. doi: 10.17706/ijmse.2016.4.3.161-171