Preparation and Characterization of Soap-Free Cationic Polystyrene Microspheres Using a Water Soluble Monomer

Abstract

Soap-free Cationic polystyrene microspheres were prepared by emulsion polymerization using a water soluble monomer Methacrylatoethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (MADAC). Experimental studies were performed in detail to check the effect of the synthesis process of the microspheres, the MADAC dosage, and initiator dosage on the particle size and distribution. The chemical structure of latex particles was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The micro-morphology of latex particles were observed by Transmission electron microscope. The results show that different particle sizes of polystyrene microspheres with good monodispersity were finally obtained by seeded semi-continuous emulsion polymerization.

Size Dependent Mechanical Properties of Monolayer Densely Arranged Polystyrene Nanospheres

“…The formation mechanism of polymer nanospheres can help to illuminate the size dependent mechanical properties. The PS nanospheres in our experiments were prepared with the soap-free emulsion polymerization method, and the oligomer micellar mechanism scheme is illustrated in Figure . ,, The micelles flocculate together to form spheres by the electrostatic repulsion of the negative charged groups located at the end of the micelle indicated by the solid circles in Figure . Hence, the molecules in the surface layer are more aligned and denser to stabilize the spheres due to molecular orientation.…”