Effects of dispersion techniques on the emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) latices for organic coating systems were prepared via emulsion polymerization using various emulsifying techniques. The dispersion modes have an important effect on the particle size and particle size distribution (PSD) of polymeric latices during the emulsion polymerization process. The different dispersion modes, such as magnetic stirring, ultrasound, and the combination of magnetic stirring and ultrasound, were examined to prepare particle size small and narrow PSD polymer latex. PMMA latex of size less than 20 nm in diameter and narrow PSD was successfully produced using the probe ultrasound method. By modifying the amplitude, temperature, and duration of the ultrasound probe and surfactant/water ratio, the optimal ultrasound conditions for the microemulsion polymerization were determined. This research provides new insights into the relationship between the dispersion modes and the colloidal properties of latex, which may offer more effective and simpler routes to prepare latices with fast polymerization rate and high conversion.