Polystyrene latex particles were prepared by using an emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization with two ionic initiators: potassium persulfate (KPS) and 2,2’-azobis(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride (AIBA). The purpose of this study was to obtain polystyrene latex with a good stability in time, a high surface charge density and a small particle size (between 100 and 1000 nm). We used two distinctive molar concentrations for both initiators: 5.5 mM and 55 mM based on aqueous phase. The analysis showed that in the case of KPS initiator the latexes stability was better. With AIBA as initiator smaller latex particles can be achieved. A high surface charge density was measured for large initiator concentration. We achieved satisfying results with both initiators, the optimal condition of polymerization depending on the subsequent utilization of the latex. The SEM images showed that latexes containing bentonite and latexes with no clay have similar size.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.