Emulsifier-Free Polymerization of Styrene and Methyl methacrylate Using an Amphiphilic Copolymer Based on N,N-Dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate

The patterns of emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate or styrene in the presence of random copolymers of N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate with a small amount of methyl acrylate or methyl methacrylate units with a terminal trithiocarbonate group were investigated. It has been found that the rate of polymerization increases with decreasing pH of the dispersion medium, while higher conversion limits were achievable when less hydrophobic copolymer and more hydrophobic monomer (styrene) had been used. The resulting polymer suspensions differ in particle size distribution, depending on the monomer used. The particles in the polymer suspensions had a high positive charge on their surface, remained stable, and exhibited controlled behavior in response to changes in pH. It has been shown that the synthesized suspensions exhibit adhesion to hydrophilic surfaces and resistance to fungus.