Preparation of polymer microspheres with a rosin moiety from rosin ester, styrene and divinylbenzene

Abstract

AbstractRosin was reacted with hydroxyethyl methacrylate to produce a macromonomer. This macromonomer was used to partly replace styrene for the novel preparation of polymer microspheres with divinylbenzene via suspension polymerization. Orthogonal experiments were conducted to analyze the factors influencing the particle size, particle size distribution, swelling ratio and degree of crosslinking of the polymer microspheres. Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine the structures, thermal properties and morphologies, respectively, of the polymer microspheres. The results showed that the amount of dispersant had the greatest influence on particle size and distribution. On the other hand, the monomer ratio greatly influenced the swelling ratio and degree of crosslinking of the polymer microspheres. The decomposition temperature of the polymer microspheres increased upon introduction of the rosin moiety into the product. Open pores were abundant on the surface of the polymer microspheres due to the existence of the porogen, which provided a base for adsorption and separation. The present study opens a novel route for using naturally occurring rosin. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry