This article presents an initial study on the use of polymerizable and nonpolymerizable isophthalic acid derivatives as novel emulsifiers in emulsion polymerization. The polymerization process and the final latex properties are compared to latices made under the same conditions with commercial surfactants: sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and potassium pentadecanoate (C15A). The use of the difunctional isophthalic acid appears to increase the stability of the polymer dispersion. This stabilization effect was further improved by introducing polymerizable derivatives. This kind of emulsion polymerization process is a new way of creating functional nanoparticles.

Carboxylated polystyrene particles were prepared by the batch emulsion polymerization of styrene (Sty) with 4-vinylbenzoic acid (VBA) in the absence of an emulsifier with K 2 S 2 O 8 as a free-radical initiator. The effect changes in the ratio of potassium hydroxide to VBA and the concentration of VBA to Sty on the kinetics, monomer conversion, distribution of carboxyl groups, and particle size distribution were analyzed. The stability of the latices was evaluated.