Emulsifier-free Emulsion Polymerization Research Articles

Photo-induced time-dependent controllable wettability of dual-responsive multi-functional electrospun MXene/polymer fibers

Switchable wettability potential in smart fibers is of paramount importance in various applications. Light-induced controllable changes in surface wettability have a significant role in this area. Herein, smart waterborne homopolymer, functional copolymer with different polarity and flexibility, and multi-functional terpolymer particles containing a time-dependent dual-responsive acrylated spiropyran, as a polymerizable monomer, were successfully synthesized through eco-friendly single-step emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization. Presence of 10 wt% of butyl acrylate and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate relative to methylmethacrylate as functional comonomers decreased the Tg of the samples almost 20 ℃ and increased their polarity. The optical properties of the particles were investigated, and the UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy results showed that not only the polarity and flexibility of the polymer chains individually have a positive effect on improving the optical properties, but also the simultaneous presence of both functional groups has a synergistic effect. The smart polymer particles with flexibility and polarity features exhibited higher absorption and emission compared to other samples. Inspired by these findings, multi-functional smart polymer fibers were prepared using the electrospinning method. The smart multi-functional electrospun fibers containing few-layer Ti3C2 MXenes were synthesized to improve the fibers’ properties and change the surface wettability due to the hydrophilic functional groups of MXene. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy images displayed the successful preparation of few-layer MXenes. Smooth and bead-free fibers with bright red fluorescence emission under UV irradiation were shown using fluorescence microscopy. The study on the surface wettability of fibers revealed that UV and visible light irradiation induced reversible time-dependent changes in the wettability of the smart multi-functional MXene/polymer electrospun fibers from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, reaching a water contact angle of 10° from an initial water contact angle of 100° under UV light and also changing to superhydrophilic state with passing time. Upon visible light exposure, the fibers returned to their original state. Furthermore, the fibers demonstrated a high stability over five alternating cycles of UV and visible light irradiation. This study shows that the fabrication of time-dependent smart fibers, utilizing the flexibility and polarity in the presence of MXenes, significantly improves and controls surface wettability changes. The outstanding dynamically photo-switchable wettability of these fibers may offer exciting opportunities in various applications, especially in the separation of oil from water contaminants.

Development of acidochromic colloidal polymer nanoparticles containing azobenzene derivatives as eco-friendly time-dependent anticounterfeiting inks

N,N-dihydroxyethyl azobenzene compounds with different functional groups of hydrogen, electron-donating hydroxyl (OH), and electron-withdrawing nitro (NO2) were synthesized by a two-step diazotization and coupling method. Colloidal poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles, prepared by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization, were doped with 3 wt% of the three azobenzenes to prepare acidochromic colloids. Acidochromic properties of all the azobenzenes and the polymer colloids were investigated in acidic buffers. Azobenzene compounds doped on polymer particles showed different colors in buffers with different pH values due to the presence of different functional groups, which makes them highly applicable as acid detectors. The electron-withdrawing NO2 functional group caused a small bathochromic shift in the azobenzene spectrum, and the azobenzene containing OH functional group showed higher bathochromic shift than the unsubstituted azobenzene. The colloidal PMMA nanoparticles doped with the three azobenzene compounds were used as eco-friendly inks for stamping and hand-signing on cellulosic papers. Exposure to acidic HCl vapor resulted in different coloration of the printed marks due to the protonation of the azobenzenes. These colors of the protonated forms were decayed with time and also after exposure to triethylamine vapor. The stamped patterns showed a high fatigue and no change in color intensity up to 20 cycles. This shows that these polymeric inks can be used as anticounterfeiting inks for security-marking of confidential documents and banknotes. The developed inks showed time-dependent characteristics and responsivity to acid and base vapors, which make them highly applicable in security marking of confidential documents and also detection of acid and base.

Hybrid acrylic-modified collagen dispersions and their application as bio-adhesive with acexamic acid release capability

Natural proteins appear as excellent candidates to replace polymers based on non-renowable sources and to improve the material biocompatibility and functionality. Taking advantage of collagen properties like biocompatibility and acceleration of tissue growth, in this work we present the synthesis of hybrid modified-collagen/acrylic nanoparticles by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization. These particles present great film-formation capability and switchable adhesion with the moisture content. Additionally, with the aim of improving the potentiality to accelerate tissue repair, films show excellent loading and release capability of acexamic acid. All these characteristics make these non-cytotoxic films good candidates to be employed as bioadhesive in wound healing treatments.

Rapid and facile detection of PBTC antiscalant using functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles and latex agglutination

Organophosphate-based compounds, particularly 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC), have been crucial in circulating cooling systems and wastewater treatments as corrosion inhibitors preventing scale deposits in industrial facilities. Employing the reagent within its optimum concentration range is essential for effective performance, minimizing costs and environmental impacts. However, measuring PBTC separately can be challenging due to its functional groups’ similarity to other common molecules found in natural water, necessitating complex procedures. In this study, amine-functionalized polystyrene (PS) latex nanoparticles were synthesized through emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization and utilized as nanosorbents for PBTC detection via a straightforward latex agglutination method. This phenomenon is facilitated by electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions between the positively charged layers on the particle’s surface and the negatively charged PBTC molecules. The pH and concentration of the PBTC solution are key factors influencing the adsorption behavior and capacity of the functionalized latex particles. A graphical representation of aggregation domains, dependent on both PBTC concentration and pH, was created. This map serves as an effective tool for detecting PBTC concentration. The resulting particles show great promise for monitoring the concentration range of phosphate additives in water, offering a simple, rapid detection process with low costs and reduced chemical and equipment requirements.

Spectral response of sulfonated polystyrene photonic crystals with varying concentrations of ethanol

Modifying polystyrene (PS) spheres through sulfonation is a well-established method to enhance their hydrophilic properties, rendering them valuable in diverse applications. Fabrication of photonic crystals (PCs) with sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) spheres offers an important platform for sensing applications. The hydrophilic nature of such PC platform helps in improving the detection of water content. In the present work, monodispersed SPS spheres were synthesized by adjusting the duration of the sulfonation reaction on the PS spheres created via emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization. PC opal films were fabricated using self-assembled PS and SPS spheres. The opal films were characterized using various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), angle-resolved reflection spectroscopy (ARRS), zeta potential and dynamic light scattering, and the results were compared and analysed. The hydrophilicity of the opal films was investigated using the water contact angle measurement, and it was found to improved by sulfonation. The spectral response of the PC opal films was investigated by monitoring Bragg’s diffraction spectra from the films using UV–VIS spectrometer. As a demonstration of a specific application, the prepared PC opal films were used to measure the water content in ethanol. PS and SPS opal films exhibited a noticeable blue shift in their spectral response when the water content in ethanol was increased to 3.8% and 3.4%, respectively. The added hydrophilicity brought on by the attached sulfonic groups improved the SPS film’s sensitivity to the water in the ethanol. SPS spheres demonstrated an optical response over a significantly more extensive range of the water content in ethanol than PS, which has a limited response range of up to 50%. Sulfonating PS spheres enhances colloidal stability and minimizes the tendency for aggregation in solution. Sulfonation for more than 3 h is found to exhibit reduced mechanical strength. Though the sulfonation induces an increase in surface roughness, the quality of the ordered arrangement of the spheres remained the same in comparison with PS films. By taking advantage of SPS’s hydrophilicity, high reactivity, stability, and the possibility of attaching additional functional groups, the present study opens up new possibilities for sensing water content in ethanol.

Novel polymeric organic gelator as lost circulation material for oil-based drilling fluids

With the exploitation of unconventional oil and gas resources towards deep and ultra-deep formations, oil-based drilling fluids (OBDFs) with white oil as a base oil have been increasingly employed in China to achieve safe, efficient, and fast drilling operations. However, due to the lack of effective lost circulation material (LCM), drilling time and drilling fluids are severely delayed and extra consumed, respectively. Herein, we innovatively propose and successfully develop a polymeric organic gelator using an emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization method and find that it achieves remarkable plugging ability in OBDF, superior to commercial LCMs, including asphalt, fine calcium carbonate, elastic graphite, and rubber particles. In detail, SMHDV with a branched C8 pendant group, benzene ring, isopropyl, and acetate groups is homogeneously dispersed in OBDF after hot rolling and capable of blocking permeable porous formations, resulting in a reduction of the cumulative filtration by 68 % at a concentration as low as 1 wt%. When added at a high concentration above 10 wt%, SMHDV turned into an organogel which can block cracks and prevent severe lost circulations together with other bridging materials. Furthermore, SMHDV maintains considerable plugging capacity in a wide temperature range of 80–150 °C, which meets most requirements of oil wells. The superior performance is attributed to the formation of supramolecular network structure in white oil due to the self-assembly behavior, which originated from the appropriate hierarchical polarities. In addition, the material can maintain stable rheological properties after hot rolling, improving the electrical stability of the drilling fluid. It is expected to form a set of scientific and efficient OBDF plugging technology to solve the leakage problems encountered during drilling.

Colloidal stability and rheological properties of bio-ferrofluids of polymer-coated single-core and multi-core nanoparticles

The polymethacrylic acid (PMAA)-coated magnetite nanoparticles with single and multi-cores were prepared by the emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization of methacrylic acid (MAA) monomers. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to identify the nanoparticles and the polymer layer. The coated particles have spherical shapes. The single core diameter is 6.6 nm, and the multi-core diameter is 33.8 nm, with the number of cores in a particle of 131. The PMAA layer thickness is around 4 nm for both coated particles. This polymer layer enhances nanoparticles' dispersion ability while retaining their magnetic properties much higher than in other studies. The coated multi-core particles show excellent dispersion stability. The aggregation rate of these particles is hundreds of times lower than that of single-core particles. All the nanofluids exhibit shear-thinning behavior without and with an external magnetic field. The field-dependent viscosity agrees with the theory regarding the interaction parameter λ. However, the magneto-viscous of the magnetic fluids here are much smaller than comparable bio-ferrofluids.

Anti-counterfeiting ink based on polymer nanoparticles containing spiropyran and Aza-BODIPY for artificial industries

Counterfeiting in various artificial industries has been a serious challenge for the authenticity of cultural products. Security marking of original crafts with high-security anti-counterfeiting inks could be a possible way to limit counterfeiting in art products. In this study, spiropyran-containing colloidal polymer particles were synthesized using emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization. Scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering were used to analyze morphology and size of the nanoparticles. Anti-counterfeiting inks based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) were then formulated via physical doping of aza-BODIPY into the colloidal polymer latex samples, where the cemically incorporated spiropyran into the particles acts as the donor and aza-BODIPY plays the role of the acceptor. Fluorescence and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy were used to evaluate the FRET process possibility and efficiency. The high-security ink was subsequently used for security marking of a special handicraft. Silk fibers were impregnated with both of the photochromic and FRET-based inks in different concentrations and used in weaving the petal patterns. This aqueous FRET-based ink could also be used for security marking of different documents and also various art products. This study could help to reduce forgery in artificial industries, for authentication of the original handicrafts form the fakes, and prevent from counterfeiting in art industries.

Combined Effect of Layered Double Hydroxides and Nano silver on Bacterial Inhibition and Gas Barrier Properties of Chitosan Grafted Polyacrylonitrile Nanocomposites

ABSTRACT Herein, chitosan-grafted-poly(acrylonitrile) (CS-g-PAN) nanocomposites are prepared by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization technique with dispersion of layered double hydroxides(LDHs) and nano silver(AgNPs). The interactions of AgNPs and LDH with co-polymeric matrix are investigated by FTIR and XRD. It is noticed that LDH platelets are intercalated and partially exfoliated within the copolymeric matrices. Dispersion of fillers creates tortuous path which enhances the gas barrier properties up to seven folds. Antibacterial behavior of nanocomposites is achieved due to incorporation of silver nanoparticles and LDH. Thermal stability, chemical resistance and biodegradable properties of the synthesized material are also increased due to combined effect of LDH and AgNPs.

Construction of insulating layers on conductive nickel-plated core particles by thermal fusion of heterocoagulated polymer shell particles

In this study, we developed a method for fabricating conductive particles with an insulating layer on the surface, which can be applied to anisotropic conductive films. Core-shell particles were prepared from conductive nickel-plated core particles and positively charged polystyrene (PSt) shell particles carrying phosphonium groups on their surface by the heterocoagulation technique. The effect of alkyl chain lengths (ethyl, n-butyl, and n-octyl) of (4-vinylbenzyl)trialkylphosphonium chloride on the interfacial properties was investigated by surface tension measurement. Monodisperse PSt shell particles with a controlled particle size were successfully synthesized by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization of styrene, (4-vinylbenzyl)triethylphosphonium chloride, and n-butyl acrylate. The effects of stirring time, temperature, NaCl concentration, and PSt shell particle concentration on heterocoagulation between the nickel-plated core particles and PSt shell particles were investigated. Uniform core-shell particles with a coverage of 60% could be prepared even though the heterocoagulation temperature was below the glass transition temperature and the NaCl concentration was below the critical coagulation concentration of the PSt shell particles. When the core-shell particles obtained through the heterocoagulation process were heated above the glass transition temperature of the shell particles for 6 h, a smooth polymeric insulating layer with melted shell particles was successfully formed on the surface of the nickel-plated core particles.

Nano BN reinforced cellulose-based tripolymeric hybrid nanocomposites as packaging materials

ABSTRACT Tripolymeric nanocomposites of polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyethylmethacrylate (PEMA), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are synthesized by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization technique with nano boron nitride (BN). The exfoliation of BN platelets is achieved due to increase in basal spacing. It is seen that nano BN creates a torturous path with matrix to arrest the penetration of gas. As a result of good dispersion of nano BN, the permeability of materials is reduced by five times. The significant lowering of permeability with combined improvement in tensile strength and thermal stability enable the materials for potential packaging applications.

Dispersion Polymerization versus Emulsifier-Free Emulsion Polymerization for Nano-Object Fabrication: A Comprehensive Comparison.

Although the preparation of nano-objects by emulsifier-free controlled/living radical emulsion polymerization has drawn much attention, the morphologies of these formed objects are difficult to predict and to reproduce because of the much more complex nucleation mechanisms of emulsion polymerization compared to only one self-assembling nucleation mechanism of controlled radical dispersion polymerization. The present study compares dispersion polymerization with emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization in terms of nucleation mechanism, polymerization kinetics, and disappearance behavior of the macrochain transfer agent, gel permeation chromatograms curves of the obtained block copolymer as well as the structural and morphological differences between the produced nano-objects on the basis of published data. Moreover, the effects of the inherently heterogeneous nature of emulsion polymerization on the mechanism of reversible addition-fragmentation transfer polymerization and the nano-object morphology are examined, and efficient agitation and adequate solubility of the core-forming monomer in water are identified as the most crucial factors for the fabrication of nonspherical nano-objects.

Exploration on Aqueous Lubrication of Polymeric Microgels between Titanium Alloy Contacts.

Since titanium alloys have been widely used as joint replacement biomaterials, their superficial lubrication has evolved to be a critical factor for normal use. For this purpose, one kind of typical microgel, poly(NIPAAm-co-AA), was synthesized by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization and used as an aqueous lubricating additive between titanium alloy contacts. The results show that the as-synthesized microgels reduced the coefficient of friction by 46% and the wear volume by 45%, compared with pure water. Meanwhile, due to their thermosensitive property, the microgels were employed as smart additives to modulate the interfacial friction, which was attributed to the transition of the hydrated state and the elastic deformation of microgel particles. To further dissect the lubrication mechanism, it was found that the lubricating property of microgels was substantially associated with the formation of a hydrated layer surrounding microgels, microbearing effect, interfacial adsorption, and the colloidal stability. Looking beyond, as one kind of soft colloidal lubricant, the microgels may play an important role in the biomedical metal lubrication.

Influence of the composition of macromolecular diols on the rheology and water absorption of polyurethane acrylate emulsions

AbstractWaterborne modified polyurethane (PU) dispersions with different macromolecular diols as soft segments were prepared by the self‐emulsifying method, and then compounded with the acrylate monomers, the polyurethaneacrylate composite emulsion (PUA) with the core‐shell structure was prepared by emulsifier free emulsion polymerization. The effects of the type and ratio of macromolecular diols in the soft segment on the particle size and distribution, rheological properties, adhesion, water absorption and thermal properties of the PUA emulsion were studied. The results showed that the particle size of PUA decreased, and the shear resistance and heat resistance of PUA were enhanced with the addition of polypropylene glycol. According to the water absorption rate of PUA emulsion, it was found that adding poly‐1,4‐butanediol adipate glycol and poly(caprolactone) diol with more hydrophobic groups could improve the water resistance of PUA dry film, and the minimum water absorption value was 0.68%.

Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Polystyrene/Ag for a Highly Reproducible SERS Substrate and Its Use for the Detection of Food Contaminants.

Polystyrene (PS) spheres were prepared through an emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization method, in which the reaction time, ionic strength, concentrations of copolymer were studied in detail. The resulting PS microspheres and Ag nanoparticles were used to construct a surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate by a layer-by-layer assembly method. A relatively uniform distribution of PS/Ag in the films was obtained, and the multilayer substrate presented excellent SERS reproducibility and a tunable enhancement effect. The SERS substrate was used for detecting harmful pesticides (malachite green and dimetridazole) in food samples, with a limit of detection as low as 3.5 ppb. The obtained plasmonic composite has a promising future in the field of SERS sensing.

A highly colorimetric photonic film composed of non-close-packed melanin-like colloidal arrays

HothesisBecause of their flexible structure and adjustable color, structural colors with non-close-packed colloidal crystal arrays (NCCAs) have broad applications. However, most of these structural colors are limited by an approximate refractive index or high background scattering, and they present an unsatisfactory color that seriously hinders their practical application. Preparation of particles with a high refractive index or adsorption coefficient may be an effective approach to construct highly colorimetric NCCA structural colors in a nonaqueous solvent. The aim of this study was to explore the formation process of NCCA by the assembly of colloidal particles in a nonaqueous solvent, so as to fabricate NCCAs with a high refractive index and high adsorption. ExperimentsAn attempt was made to fabricate the NCCA structural color by dispersing the desired particles in a 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) solvent. Surface-functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles were developed by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization. The formation of NCCA was studied by comparing the dispersion of three classes of surface-functionalization of colloidal particles in the HEMA solvent. The melanin-like particles with a high refractive index and a high adsorption coefficient were synthesized by doping polydopamine (PDA) into good surface-functionalization particles by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization. A highly colorimetric poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) optical film with NCCA was fabricated by dispersing the melanin-like particles in a pHEMA hydrogel. FindingsPMMA-HEMA colloidal particles could successfully construct a NCCA structure in a nonaqueous HEMA solvent because of the solvation. Based on the “good particles,” PMMA-HEMA-PDA colloidal particles, an initial 3-hydroxytyramine hydrochloride (DA·HCl) concentration of 1.926 mM was shown to significantly improve the colorimetric value of the final solidified NCCA hydrogel. These results provided an important reference for the construction of surfactant-free HEMA non-close-packed colloidal crystals. This highly colorimetric structurally colored hydrogel may be widely used in the design of a variety of colored intelligent sensors and soft devices.

Molecularly imprinted polymer particles with gas-stimuli responsive affinity toward target proteins prepared using switchable functional monomer

Molecular recognition materials possessing switchable recognition characteristics have immense potential for use in a wide range of applications. Herein, core-shell-type molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) particles, containing protein recognition nanocavities with mild-gas-stimuli responsiveness, are synthesized via emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization, followed by seeded polymerization in an aqueous medium using 2-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate as a functional monomer with CO2- and N2-responsive interaction sites. Based on the gas responsiveness of the interaction sites in the recognition nanocavities, the affinity of the MIP particles toward a target protein could be regulated successfully by introducing mild gas stimuli. These gas-stimuli-responsive nanomaterials could find use in areas such as affinity chromatography and reusable sensing materials due to their low toxicity, low cost, and high usability.

Synthesis of IrO2 decorated core–shell PS@PPyNH2 microspheres for bio-interface application

In this paper, an effective approach is demonstrated for the fabrication of IrO2-decorated polystyrene@functionalized polypyrrole (core@shell; PS@PPyNH2) microspheres. The synthesis begins with the preparation of monodispersive PS microspheres with a diameter of 490 nm, by a process of emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization, followed by a copolymerization process involving pyrrole and PyNH2 monomers in a PS microsphere aqueous suspension, to produce uniform PS@PPyNH2 microspheres with a diameter of 536 nm. The loading of 2 nm IrO2 nanoparticles onto the PS@PPyNH2 microspheres can be easily adjusted by tuning the pH value of the IrO2 colloidal solution and the PS@PPyNH2 suspension. At pH 4, we successfully obtain IrO2-decorated PS@PPyNH2 microspheres via electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding simultaneously between the negatively-charged IrO2 nanoparticles and the positively-charged PS@PPyNH2 microspheres. These IrO2-decorated PS@PPyNH2 microspheres exhibit a characteristic cyclic voltammetric profile, similar to that of an IrO2 thin film. The charge storage capacity is 5.19 mA cm−2, a value almost five times greater than that of PS@PPyNH2 microspheres. In addition, these IrO2-decorated PS@PPyNH2 microspheres exhibit excellent cell viability and biocompatibility.

Morphology evolution of functionalized styrene and methyl methacrylate copolymer latex nanoparticles by one-step emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization

Evolution of morphology in the latex nanoparticles synthesized by emulsion polymerization methods has been an interesting challenge. Herein, a fast and facile methodology was developed for the synthesis of functionalized latex nanoparticles based on polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by one-step emulsifier-free emulsion copolymerization with functional acrylic comonomers. These functional latex nanoparticles display different particle size in the range of 150–1400 nm and morphologies depending on the surface functional groups. Morphological investigation of the functionalized latex nanoparticles by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy display that PMMA and PS latex nanoparticles with amide and hydroxyl functionalities have cauliflower like morphology with a non-smooth surface. The PS latex nanoparticles functionalized with epoxy groups have vesicular morphology in colloidal and red blood cell-like morphology in solid state. The PMMA latex nanoparticles containing epoxy and hydroxyl functionalities on the surface and also the PS latex nanoparticles functionalized with amide groups display highly monodispersed spherical morphologies. The porous surface was observed for the spherical PMMA and PS latex nanoparticles functionalized with carboxylic acid groups by using 4,4′-azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid) as the initiator. Different morphologies observed for the functional PS and PMMA latex nanoparticles prepared by one-step emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization are very interesting and have potential applications in drug-delivery, bioimaging, cell-labeling, and chemosensors.

Synthesis of PMMA-HoVO4 nanocomposites by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization: radical effects

Abstract Poly(methyl methacrylate)-holmium orthovanadate (PMMA-HoVO4) nanocomposites were synthesized using emulsifierfree emulsion polymerization system in two ways. In the first one, the HoVO4 nanoparticle dispersion was added to the emulsion system before or after polymerization start (in situ polymerization). In the other one, nanoparticle dispersion and polymeric latex were mixed together at room temperature (blending). Crystalline HoVO4 nanoparticles (about 60 nm) were synthesized by coprecipitation method. Three different composite latexes were synthesized by varying the potassium persulfate concentration and the time of HoVO4 nanoparticles addition. According to the dynamic light scattering analysis, the size of the polymer beads in the latexes is between 244.8 nm and 502.5 nm and the PDI values are in the range of 0.005 to 0.206. Infrared spectral analysis showed that HoVO4 caused some changes in the structure of the polymer. Luminescence measurements attempted to determine optical properties of the nanocomposites. The results have shown that HoVO4 nanoparticles do not protect their structure due to the reaction with persulfate radicals but that they enter the polymer beads and change the luminescence properties of the polymer forming a new material with different properties.