| Abstract: | Conventional emulsion polymerization of styrene produces some polydispersion in particle sizes in the latex. By carrying out a one-stage polymerization of finely emulsified monomer droplets of styrene formed in a mixture of methanol and water, it is possible to prepare stable latices of polystyrene in which the particles are perfectly uniform in size. The polymer has a relatively low molecular weight, but it is more stable to fragmentation by surfactant solutions than polystyrene prepared by conventional emulsion polymerization, the molecular weight of which is greater. The surface charge density of the particles is higher than that of particles produced by emulsion polymerization, and this probably accounts for the stability of the dispersion during polymerization and of the latex. |
