The role of the meniscus in the drying of latex films

In this study we have examined the fundamental thermodynamic role of water in the formation of polymer films from latex suspensions. We also report some simple density measurements, taken during the controlled (wet) osmotic drying of bulk latex samples, which show that there is no significant formation of internal air voids during drying. These results demonstrate that capillary forces are not necessary for the formation of continuous polymer films and suggest that it is unlikely that internal void spaces will be formed during the drying process.