Emulsion polymerization of styrene with ionic comonomer in the presence of methanol

Soap-free emulsion polymerization of styrene with sodium vinylbenzyl sulfonate (NaVBS) was studied in the presence of water–methanol mixtures. In the presence of both methanol and NaVBS, the particle size and uniformity increased with methanol content. Increasing the concentration of NaVBS decreased the particle size. Initiator and electrolyte level had similar effects on particle size as in recipes prepared in aqueous medium.