Abstract
A block copolymer (PS-b-poly(l-Glu)) composed of polystyrene and poly(l-glutamic acid) was used as a stabilizer for dispersion polymerization of styrene. When dispersion polymerization of styrene was conducted at 70°C in 80% dimethylformamide–water with 0.5wt% PS-b-poly(l-Glu), spherical polystyrene particles with Dn=0.72μm and narrow size distribution were obtained. Whereas AIBN concentration did not have any effects on particle size, molecular weight of the polystyrene particles was strongly dependent on the initiator concentration. As concentration of the PS-b-poly(l-Glu) increased from 0.2 to 1.0wt%, particle size decreased from Dn=0.91 to 0.69μm with keeping surface area occupied by one poly(l-glutamic acid) chain about S=50nm2. On the other hand, an increase in initial concentration of styrene from 2 to 20wt% caused an increase in particle size from Dn=0.48 to 1.36μm and a decrease in surface area per poly(l-glutamic acid) block from S=91 to 45nm2. Colloidal stability of the polystyrene particles in aqueous solution was responsive to pH due to the surface-grafted poly(l-glutamic acid). For dispersion polymerization of styrene, the PS-b-poly(l-Glu) functions as both a stabilizer and a surface modifier.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
