Synthesis of micron-sized poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) hollow particles from seeded emulsions by using swelling solvents

Hollow micron-sized poly(styrene- co -divinylbenzene) particles were produced in seeded emulsions in the presence of swelling solvents. The size and morphology of the resulting polymer particles can be altered by varying swelling solvent in seeded polymerization at elevated temperature. The effects of swelling agents, including hydrophobic solvents, hydrophilic solvents and solvent mixtures, on the microstructure of particles were investigated. The formation of hollow poly(styrene- co -divinylbenzene) particles depended significantly on a fast and effective phase separation between the cross-linked shell and the swollen core, that occurred only in the presence of an appropriate swelling solvent.