Adsorption of block copolymers at latex surface and their utilization in emulsion polymerization

Dispersion Polymerization versus Emulsifier‐Free Emulsion Polymerization for Nano‐Object Fabrication: A Comprehensive Comparison

“…These adsorbed radicals can react with the dormant chains in the particles but not with the macro‐CTA molecules in solution (Figure 2C) owing to the strong absorption of the amphiphilic polymer chains on the surface of polymer particles. [ 109 ] If the primary radical R’ directly reacts with a macro‐CTA molecule, the resulting hydrophilic macroradical undergoes propagation to produce amphiphilic macroradical III or further reacts with the macro‐CTA to form dormant chain II, and the monomer droplet is stabilized in either case. As high macro‐CTA/initiator molar ratios are generally used, the amount of primary radicals is insufficient to activate all macro‐CTA molecules, some of which therefore remain in the solution even when the polymerization is complete.…”

“…[ 26 ] Notably, the macroemulsifiers had lower mobility than small‐molecule emulsifiers in the polymerization solution but were much more readily adsorbed on the surface of polymer particles. [ 109,128 ] Compared to macro‐CTA architecture, the solubility of the core‐forming block in water is easier to adjust, e.g., through the use of moderately water‐soluble monomers or copolymerization with water‐soluble monomers. Here, we discuss how this strategy can be used to fabricate nonspherical nano‐objects.…”