Core-shell acrylate latices containing fluorine in the shell were prepared by semicontinuous emulsion polymerization. The chemical components of the latices were determined by Fourier transform infrared, ion-selective electrode analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The average size and morphology of the latex particles were characterized by photocorrelation spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The latex particles were mainly composed of a non-fluorine core and a fluorinated shell. The dynamic water contact angles of the latex films from the Wilhelmy method indicated that the latex films containing fluorine in the shell could be wetted by water only with difficulty. The amount of the fluoromonomer played an important role in the modification on the water contact angles, water absorption, and thermal stability of the latex films. In comparison with a random structure, the core-shell structure was more effective for improving the thermal properties of the latex films. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.