Size control of poly(methyl methacrylate) particles by dispersion polymerization in polar media

Abstract Dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in aqueous methanol solution was carried out using poly[(propionylimno)ethylene] (PPIE) as a steric stabilizer. The dispersion polymerization in the aqueous methanol solution (methanol: water = 70:30 wt.‐%) gave monodisperse particles in the micrometer range. The diameter of the particles decreased as the molecular weight and the concentration of PPIE increased. Effects of other polymerization parameters, such as monomer and initiator concentrations, solvent composition, and addition of methyl 2‐methylpropionate, on the size and size distribution of the particles were examined.