Monodisperse, micrometer-sized low molar mass polystyrene particles by two-stage dispersion polymerization

Free-radical dispersion polymerization of styrene was carried out in ethanol and in ethanol-water mixtures in the absence and presence of carbon tetrabromide (CBr₄) as a chain transfer agent. When CBr₄ was present at the onset of the reaction, particles with a broad size distribution were obtained. If, however, the addition of CBr₄ was delayed ca 1 h, so that the particle nucleation step was complete, then 1-2 wt% chain transfer agent, dissolved in monomer plus solvent, could be added to the reaction without a deleterious affect on particle formation. The particle size and size distribution was essentially identical to that obtained in the absence of CBr₄. When more CBr₄ was added, other problems arose. These problems appeared to be due to solubility of low molar mass polymer in the reaction medium. They could be overcome by running the reaction in ethanol-water mixtures (e.g. 5 wt% water) to decrease the solubility of oligo-styrene at 70 °C, the reaction temperature. In this way, monodisperse particles could be prepared in the presence of 3 wt% CBr₄ based upon total styrene, consisting of polymers with M_n=7060, M_w/M_n=2.4.     

Tracking the fate of seed particles in dispersion polymerization: Preparation and application of fluorescent polymer particles

The mechanism of seeded dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was investigated by employing submicron fluorescent polymer particles as seed. These poly(methyl methacrylate) latex particles, containing fluorescent material, were synthesized by a two‐step miniemulsion polymerization process and then applied in the seeded dispersion polymerization of MMA. The seed particles were located by tracking the fluorescent signal in the micron‐size final particles. The analysis of the final particles showed that most of them contained more than two seed particles. On average, there were 3.7 seed particles in each final particle as obtained under the given conditions of the seeded dispersion polymerization. The location of the seed within the particles being well‐separated from each other was considered to indicate that the aggregation of the particles did not occur immediately, but took place after some particle growth had first taken place. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Formation of monodisperse polyacrylamide particles by radiation‐induced dispersion polymerization. I. Synthesis and polymerization kinetics

Highly monodisperse polyacrylamide (PAM) microparticles were directly prepared by radiation‐induced dispersion polymerization at room temperature in an aqueous alcohol media using poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) as a steric stabilizer. Monomer conversion was studied dilatometrically and polymer molecular weight was determined viscometrically. The gel effect was found evidently from the polymerization kinetics curves. The influence of the dose rate, monomer concentration, stabilizer content, medium polarity, polymerization temperature on the polymerization rate, and the molecular weight of the polymer was examined. The polymerization rate (Rp) can be represented by Rp ∝ D^0.15[M]^0.86[S]^0.47[A/W]^0.64 and the molecular weight of the polymer can be represented by M_w ∝ D^?0.19 [M]^1.71[S]^0.43[A/W]^0.14 at a definite experimental variation range. The overall activation energy for the rate of polymerization is 10.57 kJ/mol (20–35°C). Based on these experimental results, the polymerization mechanisms were discussed primarily. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2567–2573, 2002     

Formation of monodisperse polyacrylamide particles by dispersion polymerization: particle size and size distribution

Highly monodisperse polyacrylamide microparticles were directly prepared by dispersion polymerization in aqueous alcoholic media initiated by 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile using poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) as a steric stabilizer. Monomer conversion was studied dilatometrically and polymer molecular weight was determined viscometrically. The hydrodynamic diameter of polymer particles and its distribution were measured with a dynamic laser light scattering spectrometer. The number of the nuclei produced in the early stage of the polymerization was found to be constant during the remainder of the polymerization. The influences of various polymerization parameters, such as initiator concentration, monomer concentration, stabilizer content, medium polarity, and polymerization temperature on the particle size and size distribution were systematically investigated. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

辐射引发分散聚合反应制备聚合物微球研究进展

介绍了辐射作用原理、辐射引发分散聚合反应技术和机理、及其最新研究进展：重点阐述了超声、紫外光、γ射线、微波辐射在分散聚合中的应用。     

Preparation and characterization of titanium dioxide core and polymer shell hybrid composite particles prepared by two-step dispersion polymerization

Titanium dioxide core and polymer shell composite poly (styrene-co-divinylbenzene)-methacrylic acid [P (St-co-DVB)-MAA]] particles were prepared by two-step dispersion polymerization. Fourier transform IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis were used to measure the content of methacrylic acid in composites particles. X-ray measurement photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements indicated the presence of an MAA unit on the surface of the composite particles. The combined results of the elemental analysis and the XPS measurements showed that the copolymer on the surface of poly (St-co-DVB)-MAA composite particles was rich in MAA compared with that in the interior of the composite particles. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was used to study the morphology characterization. The composite particles produced showing good spectral reflectance compare with bare TiO₂. TGA results indicated that the encapsulation efficiency and estimated density of composite particles. Encapsulation of TiO₂ was up to 87.4% and the density was ranged from 1.78 to 2.06 g/cm³. Estimated density of the composite particles is suitable to 1.73 g/cm³, due to density matching with suspending fluid.     

Preparation of raspberry‐like poly(methyl methacrylate) particles by seeded dispersion polymerization

The facile preparation of nonspherical raspberry‐like poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles by seeded dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) on micron‐sized PMMA seed particles was described. Various polymerization parameters influencing the particle morphology, as well as the polymerization kinetic and morphological stability, were investigated in detail. It was found that the following polymerization conditions were necessary to prepare this kind of nonspherical particles: a relatively low temperature, an appropriate ratio of seed/MMA, an initiator with a relatively low decomposition rate, and a relatively low initiator concentration. These particles showed very good morphological stability at room temperature, but they changed to the spherical ones when heat treated at 60°C in methanol solution of MMA. The experimental results suggest that the prepared PMMA particles were kinetically favored and the localized polymerization of the MMA monomer on PMMA seed particle surface was responsible for the formation of the raspberry‐like particles. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Preparation and characterization of titanium dioxide core/polymer shell hybrid composite particles prepared by emulsion polymerization

Titanium dioxide inorganic core and polymer shell composite poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐butylacrylate‐co‐methacrylic acid) [P(MMA‐co‐BA)‐MAA] particles were prepared by emulsion copolymerization. Fourier transform IR (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to measure the content of MAA composite particles. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) characterized the composite particle size and size distribution. The field emission SEM (FE‐SEM) results of the composite particles showed regular spherical shape and no bare TiO₂ was detected on the whole surface of the samples. The composite particles were produced, showing good spectral reflectance compared with bare TiO₂. TGA results indicated the encapsulation efficiency and estimated density of composite particles. Encapsulation efficiency was up to 78.9% and the density ranged from 1.76 to 1.94 g/cm³. Estimated density of the composite particles is suitable to 1.73 g/cm³, due to density matching with suspending media. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 2970–2975, 2004     

Fabrication of hollow silica particles using copolymeric spheres prepared in supercritical carbon dioxide

Amine functional polymeric spheres were prepared via the dispersion polymerization of 2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and methylmethacrylate in supercritical carbon dioxide, and they were employed efficiently as templates for the fabrication of hollow silica particles. A small amount of divinyl benzene was used as a crosslinking agent to control the morphology of the copolymeric particles from clumpy solid to spherical shape. The assembly of the polymeric spheres with tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) through hydrothermal methods produced core-shell type hybrid particles. The whole process required neither surface treatment for the polymeric particles nor addition of any acidic or basic catalyst for the hydrolysis of silica precursor because dimethylamino groups of the copolymeric spheres were able to absorb water and catalyze the hydrolysis of TEOS for the deposition of the silica gel network. The polymeric cores were completely removed by calcination process and silica hollow particles with well-defined structure were obtained finally. The silica hollow particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, which clearly revealed that the silica spheres had the hollow structure with 151 nm wall thickness.     

聚合方法对硅胶表面接枝聚合物过程的影响研究

分别用溶液聚合与分散聚合两种方法,在硅胶载体表面实施了苯乙烯的接枝聚合,重点考察了聚合方法对接枝聚合过程的影响。结果表明,在基本相同的反应条件下,分散聚合体系的接枝率明显高于溶液聚合体系的接枝率,最高可达47%(即47g/100g);除聚合方法之外,影响聚合物在硅胶表面接枝率的因素还有硅胶表面的双键含量、单体浓度、引发剂浓度、温度等。     

Solid dispersion particles of tolbutamide prepared with fine silica particles by the spray-drying method

Solid dispersion particles of tolbutamide (TBM) were prepared by formulating nonporous (Aerosil 200 (hydrophilic), Aerosil R972 (hydrophobic)) or porous (Sylysia 350 (hydrophilic), Sylophobic 200 (hydrophobic)) silica as a carrier and applying the spray-drying (SD) or evaporation (Eva) method. In the solid dispersion particles prepared by the SD method, TBM existed in a meta-stable form (Form II) irrespective of the type of silica. On the other hand, when the Eva method was used, various crystalline forms of TBM were observed in the solid dispersion particles according to the type of silica. Polymorphs of Forms III and IV were prepared with Aerosil 200 and Aerosil R972, respectively, while crystalline Form II was obtained when either of the forms of porous silica, Sylysia 350 or Sylophobic 200, was formulated. The dissolution property of TBM in the solid dispersion particles prepared with hydrophilic silica was remarkably improved compared with those of the original TBM crystals (Form I) or spray-dried TBM without silica (Form II). In the case of hydrophobic silica, the release rate of TBM from the solid dispersion particles was much slower than that of original TBM. The meta-stable form of TBM in the solid dispersion particles was stable for at least 4 weeks when stored at 60 °C and 0% RH, while the spray-dried TBM without silica (Form II) was gradually converted to the stable form (Form I) under the same storage conditions. Under the humid storage conditions (60 °C, 75% RH), the spray-dried TBM without silica (Form II) immediately converted into the stable form (Form I) within 1 day, while TBM (Form II) in the solid dispersions in a matrix of silica was stable for at least 1 week.     

Model development for the description of silica particles dispersion in silicone polymer

In order to improve the mechanical characteristics of silicone polymer, silica particulate filler can be dispersed in the continuous phase. During the dispersion process, silicone is adsorbed on the particle surfaces, and at the same time, the particles are submitted to breakage and erosion phenomena, modifying therefore their particle size distribution (PSD). A numerical tool, that can simulate the evolution of the silica PSD in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) during dispersion, and allows an a priori knowledge of the evolution of the suspension properties, is developed. The comparison between experimental and calculated PSD as well as process viscosity values is presented.The advantage of such a modelization lies in the prediction of the final product properties, or in the design and optimization of a process for obtaining a desired product. This approach also shows the effect of the particle porosity on the product characteristics evolution during the dispersion process. The influence of parameters such as the filler quantity, the stirring speed or the number of silanols sites on the silica surface is also investigated.     

Production of micron-size monodisperse polymer particles by seeded polymerization utilizing dynamic swelling method with cooling process

Monodisperse polystyrene particles (6.6 μm diameter) were produced by seeded polymerization utilizing the dynamic swelling method with cooling process as follows. Monodisperse polystyrene seed particles (1.8 μm diameter) were dispersed in ethanol/water (3/4 w/w) medium containing styrene monomer, benzoyl peroxide as initiator and poly(vinyl alcohol) as stabilizer at 65d?C. By lowering the temperature to ?5d?C at a speed of ?1d?C/min the polystyrene seed particles were swollen from 1.8 to 7.7 μm by the absorption of styrene monomer, keeping the high monodispersity. An appropriate amount of water was then added to the dispersion at ?5d?C to depress the redissolution of styrene from the swollen particles into the medium. By elevating the temperature the seeded polymerization was carried out at 70d?C. The production of submicron-size polystyrene new particles as a by-product was depressed by the addition of NaNO₂ to the medium.     

Preparation of monodisperse poly(methyl methacrylate) particles by radiation-induced dispersion polymerization using vinyl terminus polysiloxane macromonomer as a polymerizable stabilizer

Monodisperse poly(methyl methacrylate) particles were prepared directly by radiation-induced dispersion polymerization in hexane-ethanol media using vinyl terminus polysiloxane (PSI) macromonmer as a polymerizable stabilizer at room temperature. This method takes advantage of the specialties of radiation-induction, which may result in the formation of uniform polymer particles. The gel effect is evident from the polymerization kinetics curves. Vinyl terminus PSI macromonomer acted as not only a comonomer, but also as a stabilizer. The characterization of PMMA particles was carried out by the scanning electron microscope (SEM), FT-IR, ¹H-NMR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS). XPS results show that the graft PSI macromonomers were anchored on the surface of PMMA particles to provide a steric stabilization to the PMMA particles.     

分散聚合研究进展及单分散聚合物微球的应用

分散聚合是一种能得到很好单分散聚合物微球的新型聚合方法,该方法已广泛应用于医学、涂料工业、生物工程、化学工业等方面。大粒径单分散聚合物微球在许多领域里有着广阔的应用前景,越来越受到人们的关注。笔者对分散聚合中的反应机理、粒径的控制以及稳定剂和分散介质的研究进展进行了概述,并简要介绍了单分散聚合物微球的应用。     

原位聚合法制备纳米ATO/PMMA乙醇分散液的研究

将纳米掺锑二氧化锡(ATO)粒子经过超声分散和偶联剂处理后,以甲基丙烯酸甲酯(MMA)为单体,用原位聚合法制备了纳米ATO/PMMA乙醇分散液。讨论了偶联剂种类、MMA与ATO质量比值、引发剂偶氮二异丁腈(AIBN)用量对纳米ATO/PMMA乙醇分散液分散稳定性的影响。确定了合适的偶联剂为乙烯基三叔丁基过氧硅烷(VTPS),最优工艺参数为m(MMA)∶m(ATO)=2,w(AIBN)=1.5%。往聚丙烯酸酯树脂加入该纳米ATO/PMMA乙醇分散液所制得的涂料,其涂膜同时具有良好的可见光透过率和近红外光阻隔性能。     

Preparation of acrylate polymer/silica nanocomposite particles with high silica encapsulation efficiency via miniemulsion polymerization

Acrylate polymer/silica nanocomposite particles were prepared through miniemulsion polymerization by using methyl methacrylate/butyl acrylate mixture containing the well-dispersed nano-sized silica particles coupling treated with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (MPS). The encapsulation efficiency of silica particles was determined through the elution and hydrofluoride acid etching experiments, and the size distribution and the morphology of the composite latex particles were characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The coupling treatment of silica with MPS can improve the encapsulation efficiency of silica and the degree of grafting of polymer onto silica. When 0.10 g MPS/g silica was used to modify silica, the encapsulation efficiency of silica was greater than 95%, and the degree of grafting of acrylate polymer onto silica was about 60%. Although the average size and the size distribution index of the composite latex particles increased as the weight fraction of silica increased, the stable latex containing the ‘guava-like’ composite particles was obtained. The grafting of polymer onto silica particles improved the dispersion of silica particles in the solvents for acrylate polymer and in the polymer matrix.     

Kinetics and mechanism of seeded dispersion polymerization

The kinetics and mechanism of seeded dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was studied by applying both micron and submicron PMMA seeds. Using a 1.7 μm PMMA seed (N_p = 1 × 10¹²/L) and a monomer polymer ratio (M/P) of 28/1, secondary nucleation was found to occur and the number of new particles exceeded that produced in a parallel ab initio dispersion polymerization. This was explained by the paradoxical initiator concentration effect seen in dispersion polymerizations where the number of particles decreases with increasing initiator concentration. In contrast, using 194 nm (N_p = 26 × 10¹²/L; M/P = 833/1) and 317 nm (N_p = 5.6 × 10¹²/L; M/P = 714/1) submicron seeds, it was found that the final particle number was similar to (or less in a few cases) the initial seed number over a relatively wide range of initiator concentrations. With increasing initiator concentration, the initial reaction rate increased but the maximum reaction rate decreased slightly. This was explained by increased radical termination particularly in unstable nuclei, leading to a reduced radical entry rate. The reaction rate was found to be moderately dependent on the number of seed particles, but was independent of the seed surface area. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

The influence of water on size of the monodisperse polystyrene microspheres prepared by dispersion polymerization

Polystyrene microspheres with uniform sizes have a wide range of applications in biomedical engineering. However, detailed and systematic investigations on the influence of water content on alcohol/water systems are relatively scarce. In this study, the impact of trace water content on microsphere size was comprehensively examined, and a systematic exploration of the varying effects of different hydration levels on particle nucleation and growth mechanisms was conducted. When the water content increased from 0.1% to 0.4%, the microsphere diameter rapidly decreases from 3.6 to 2.71 μm. Correspondingly, the molecular weight increased from 29,797 to 69,186. However, within the water content range of 0.5%–14.5%, alterations in water content induced only slight variations in the microsphere diameter. The microsphere size, molecular weight, conversion rate, and reaction rate were compared in two stages. It was observed that the diminishing influence of water on the system was due to the changes in the main polymerization sites. Subsequently, the addition of water content up to 33.5% revealed an exponential decrease in the microsphere size with increasing water content in ethanol. This pattern was also observed in methanol and isopropanol, demonstrating its universality and predictability, making it applicable for precise prediction of microsphere size in different solvents.     

Factors influencing magnetic polymer microspheres prepared by dispersion polymerization

Magnetic iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) was prepared by a coprecipitation method. Core–shell composite magnetic polymer microspheres with carboxyl groups were synthesized by the dispersion polymerization of styrene and acrylic acid in the presence of magnetic oxide, and dibenzoyl peroxide was used as an initiator. The synthesized magnetic polymer microspheres were characterized with X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and so forth. The results indicated that the product was single‐phase Fe₃O₄, and its average size was about 10 nm. The configuration of the microspheres, which contained carboxyl groups, was spherical, and the average size was about 2 μm. The results of vibrating sample magnetometry tests showed that the magnetic powders produced by different surfactants had different saturation magnetizations. When poly(ethylene glycol) with a weight‐average molecular weight of 4000 was used as a surfactant, the saturation magnetization of the samples reached 69.2 emu/g. The factors that affected the shape, magnetism, size, and distribution of the microspheres were also studied. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007