Seeded Emulsion Polymerization Process Research Articles

Preparation and characterization of long carbon chain based polyacrylate latexes and their pressure sensitive adhesive application

Aqueous emulsion homo- and co-polymerization of lauryl methacrylate (LMA), a strong hydrophobic monomer with long carbon chain, is quite challenging. In this study, a long carbon chain emulsifier N-390 was used as the primary emulsifier to facilitate the emulsion copolymerization of LMA with other acrylate monomers through the mutual hydrophobic interaction between N-390 and LMA, and ultimately polyacrylate latex pressure sensitive adhesives modified by LMA via pre-emulsified semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerization process were synthesized. The effects of LMA on the resulting latex and PSA properties was comprehensively examined. Both FTIR and 1H NMR spectra indicated that LMA has been successfully introduced into copolymer chain with the aid of long carbon chain emulsifier N-390. The results also showed that the introduction of LMA will contribute to decrease in particle size and zeta potential, while increase viscosity and gel content of the acrylate PSA latex. Moreover, as the LMA content increased, the latex PSA films demonstrated gradual improvements in both water resistance and thermal stability. Finally, for the long carbon chains adhesive film, the shear strength was improved greatly while at the sacrifice of loop tack and peel strength, when compared to counterparts without LMA.

Preparation of cationic fluorinated acrylate copolymer latex and its application on cotton fabric

Coupled with the improvement in people’s living standards, the demand for textiles having a special performance like water repellency is mushrooming. In this study, the cationic fluorinated acrylate copolymer latex particles with a core–shell structure were synthesized via semicontinuous seed emulsion polymerization process, using Span 80, Tween 80, and dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride as composite emulsifier and (2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl)trimethylammonium chloride as a cationic monomer. Cationic fluorinated acrylate copolymers were successfully confirmed through the FTIR, 1H NMR, and XPS analyses. In addition, the homogeneous latex particles (~ 132 nm of average size) with an evident core–shell structure were observed by TEM analysis, and a stable positive charge (48 ± 5 mV) on the surface of latex particles was demonstrated by zeta potential analysis. Meanwhile, the results showed that the dosage of dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (DFMA) played a vital role in the hydrophobicity of the latex films and the one with the best water repellency was identified with 10 g of DFMA dosage. Furthermore, the cotton fabric finishing experiments demonstrated that, after finishing by the cationic fluorinated acrylate copolymer emulsion, the treated cotton fabric exhibited excellent hydrophobicity even at low concentration, with > 130° of the water contact angle and > 60 min of the static absorbing time.

Innovative Method for Laponite Encapsulation into Polymer Latex Particles by Clay Cluster-Seeded Emulsion Polymerization

We herein report an innovative pathway for the encapsulation of Laponite platelets into polymer nanoparticles via free radical polymerization in heterogeneous aqueous medium. Hydrophobization of the Laponite platelets was performed via double functionalization of the clay basal surfaces and edges by a cationic surfactant and an organosilane, respectively. The hydrophobized platelets were then dispersed in toluene and ultrasonicated with an aqueous solution of an anionic surfactant to form clay-loaded toluene droplets. The droplets were subsequently transformed into clusters by toluene evaporation and finally encapsulated into polymer latex particles using a seeded-emulsion polymerization process. Two different copolymers were synthesized: poly(styrene-co-methyl acrylate), as a model system and poly(vinylidene chloride-co-methyl acrylate), a specialty film-forming copolymer. Stable composite particles with a diameter ranging from 150 to 180 nm were obtained for both copolymers. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that the Laponite clay platelets were successfully encapsulated into the polymer latex particles. The films cast from the composite suspensions of poly(vinylidene chloride-co-methyl acrylate)/clay particles showed spherical inclusions of clay tactoids dispersed within the polymer matrix.

Critical rubber layer thickness of core-shell particles with a rigid core and a soft shell for toughening of epoxy resins without loss of elastic modulus and strength

Core-shell particles with a rigid silica core and a poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) rubber shell are used to toughen epoxy resins without loss of elastic modulus and tensile strength. Both the diameter of silica core (D) and thickness of PBA shell (Ts) of silica-PBA core-shell particles are accurately controlled by sol-gel synthesis and seed emulsion polymerization process, respectively. From the results of notched Izod impact tests, a brittle-ductile transition of these epoxy/silica-PBA composites occurs when the rubber shell thickness (Ts) exceeds a critical value (Tsbd). It is found that Tsbd increases with increasing D which implies a critical rubber content (10 wt%) in the core-shell particles or a critical Ts/D ratio (0.0375), above which all composites transit from brittle to ductile failure. The composite elastic modulus decreases with increasing Ts. However, the critical thickness values of Tsm and Tss, below which composite modulus and tensile strength, respectively, are equal to or higher than the corresponding epoxy matrix values, are both larger than Tsbd. These results prove that brittle polymers can be toughened without loss of elastic modulus and tensile strength. However, the critical surface-to-surface inter-particle distance (Lc) is controlled by both properties of the core-shell particles and polymer matrix. When the rubber shell thickness Ts > Tsbd, Lc is increased when D is decreased. But when Ts < Tsbd, the brittle-to-ductile transition cannot occur, even when Lc is less than 100 nm.

Novel Core–Shell of Polymethyl Methacrylate/butyl Acrylate/vinyl Silica Nanocomposite Particles through Seed Emulsion Polymerization

ABSTRACTA new core–shell structure of polymethyl methacrylate/butyl acrylate copolymer/vinyl silica nanocomposite was successfully prepared in aqueous solution through seed emulsion polymerization. Vinyl-functionalized silica nanoparticles were synthesized using sol–gel technique of triethoxyvinylsilane in aqueous solution. New established covalent bond between the vinyl groups located on the surface of vinyl-functionalized silica nanoparticles and vinyl group of monomers and the encapsulation into methyl methacrylate/butyl acrylate copolymer through seed emulsion polymerization process. The prepared core–shell latex polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, UV–vis, thermal analyses, tensile strength, elongation at break, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and zeta potential. The tensile strength improved by introducing vinyl silica into the matrix up to 5%, which proved the reinforcing role of vinyl silica in the matrix of polymer.

Epoxy-acrylic core-shell particles by seeded emulsion polymerization

We developed a novel method for synthesizing epoxy-acrylic hybrid latexes. We first prepared an aqueous dispersion of high molecular weight solid epoxy prepolymers using a mechanical dispersion process at elevated temperatures, and we subsequently used the epoxy dispersion as a seed in the emulsion polymerization of acrylic monomers comprising methyl methacrylate (MMA) and methacrylic acid (MAA). Advanced analytical techniques, such as scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and peak force tapping atomic force microscopy (PFT-AFM), have elucidated a unique core-shell morphology of the epoxy-acrylic hybrid particles. Moreover, the formation of the core-shell morphology in the seeded emulsion polymerization process is primarily attributed to kinetic trapping of the acrylic phase at the exterior of the epoxy particles. By this new method, we are able to design the epoxy and acrylic polymers in two separate steps, and we can potentially synthesize epoxy-acrylic hybrid latexes with a broad range of compositions.

Preparation and artificial ageing tests in stone conservation of fluorosilicone vinyl acetate/acrylic/epoxy polymers

AbstractIn this work, a series of fluorosilicone vinyl acetate/acrylic/epoxy (FVAE) polymers for protection of stone relics were prepared with different content of hexafluorobutyl methacrylate (HFBMA) by the seed emulsion polymerization process. Properties and structure of FVAE materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Viscosity, particle size, surface tension, gel content, adhesion and surface hardness of polymer materials were also determined. Surface morphology of the stone sample was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Compared with a commercial copolymer, ethyl methacrylate/methyl acrylate (EM/MA, Paraloid B72), protection ability of the prepared FVAE polymer was investigated using artificial ageing tests such as the freeze-thaw aging test, acid aging test and the soluble salts aging test. It was found that the FVAE polymers prepared can effectively prevent corrosion caused by H

Preparation and characterization of aqueous polyurethane oil/polyacrylate latex interpenetrating polymer network

A series of aqueous polyurethane oil (network I)/polyacrylate (network II) latex interpenetrating polymer networks (LIPNs) were synthesized via the technology of latex interpenetrating polymer network combined seed emulsion polymerization process. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, laser particle size distributing analyzer and universal tension machine were utilized to characterize the bulk structures and mechanical properties of LIPNs. For used as damping material, the damping performance of LIPNs were analyzed by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). It was found that the damping temperature region of LIPN was wider than those of aqueous polyurethane oil, the temperature region with greater tanδ changed with the TPGDA content and hard-/soft-segment mass weight ratio (mMMA/mBA) and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the network I and network II in LIPN occurred within shift each other, even overlap with increasing mMMA/mBA value. The results show that LIPNs synthesized through the combined process have greater tanδ and wider damping temperature region, which is suitable for the use of damping coatings.

The Synthesis and Properties of Emulsion Copolymerization of Styrene with N-Substituted Phenyl Maleimide

The synthesis and characterization of copolymer emulsions of styrene with two types of N-substituted phenyl maleimide (N-p-Methyl–MPhMI and N-m-Methyl–MPhMI) were investigated and researched in this thesis, by varying the mole fraction of N-substituted phenyl maleimide and using a seed emulsion polymerization process. The emulsion was steady with high yield, low intrinsic viscosity, and high solid content (40%). In this thesis, we studied that the substituted position on the benzene ring of the N - substituted phenyl maleimide has significant influence on emulsion properties and thermal properties of copolymer emulsion copolymer. The result shows that: the polarity of N-p-MPhMI is higher than N-m-MPhMI, which can significantly improve the yield, and reduces the emulsion gel rate. N-p-MPhMI is more electronegative than N-m-MPhMI, and N-p-MPhMI-St copolymer emulsion has high zero shear viscosity and low surface tension than N-m-MPhMI-St. And N-m-MPhMI-St copolymer emulsion decreased the viscosity of Pst homopolymer emulsion. However, N-p-MPhMI-St copolymer emulsion rheology curve changes into pseudoplastic fluid. The addition of the N-substituted phenyl maleimide can improve the heat resistance of polystyrene, and N-p-methylphenyl maleimide with styrene copolymer can increase the glass transition temperature of copolymer more remarkably than copolymer N- m-tolylmaleimide with styrene can do.

Synthesis and characterization of hybrid silica/PMMA nanoparticles and their use as filler in dental composites

The effect of hybrid silica/poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles on the properties of composites for dental restoration was evaluated. Hybrid nanoparticles with silica as core and PMMA as shell were obtained by a seeded emulsion polymerization process. Fourier transform infrared spectrum of the hybrid nanoparticles shows an intense peak at 1730cm−1, corresponding to carbonyl groups (CO) of the ester. The thermal stability of the hybrid particles decreases with increasing amounts of PMMA and the residual mass at 700°C corresponds to the silica content in the hybrid particles. Composites were obtained by dispersing nanoparticles (silica or hybrid), as fillers, in a resin—bis glycidyl dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA)/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) (40%/60% (w/w)). The paste was then placed in a mold and polymerized under light irradiation. During the preparation of the composites, with the hybrid nanoparticles, the monomers swell the PMMA shell and after photo-curing, a semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN) is obtained around the silica core. The properties of the composites, obtained using the hybrid nanoparticles, depend on the filler content and the amount of PMMA in the semi-IPN matrix. For composites with similar inorganic filler contents, the composites with low amounts of PMMA shell had higher modulus than those in which silica was used as the filler.

Preparation and characterization of magnetic porous carbon microspheres for removal of methylene blue by a heterogeneous Fenton reaction.

High-specific-surface-area magnetic porous carbon microspheres (MPCMSs) were fabricated by annealing Fe(2+)-treated porous polystyrene (PS) microspheres, which were prepared using a two-step seed emulsion polymerization process. The resulting porous microspheres were then sulfonated, and Fe(2+) was loaded by ion exchange, followed by annealing at 250 °C for 1 h under an ambient atmosphere to obtain the PS-250 composite. The MPCMS-500 and MPCMS-800 composites were obtained by annealing PS-250 at 500 and 800 °C for 1 h, respectively. The iron oxide in MPCMS-500 mainly existed in the form of Fe3O4, which was concluded by characterization. The MPCMS-500 carbon microspheres were used as catalysts in heterogeneous Fenton reactions to remove methylene blue (MB) from wastewater with the help of H2O2 and NH2OH. The results indicated that this catalytic system has a good performance in terms of removal of MB; it could remove 40 mg L(-1) of MB within 40 min. After the reaction, the catalyst was conveniently separated from the media within several seconds using an external magnetic field, and the catalytic activity was still viable even after 10 removal cycles. The good catalytic performance of the composites could be attributed to synergy between the functions of the porous carbon support and the Fe3O4 nanoparticles embedded in the carrier. This work indicates that porous carbon spheres provide good support for the development of a highly efficient heterogeneous Fenton catalyst useful for environmental pollution cleanup.

Poly(ethylene oxide) and Polystyrene Encapsulated Quantum Dots: Highly Fluorescent, Functionalizable, and Ultrastable in Aqueous Media

The polymer encapsulation of quantum dots via seeded emulsion polymerization is a powerful method for the preparation of extraordinarily stable fluorescent particles and furthermore allows simple and straightforward in situ functionalization of the polymeric shell. Both features are inevitable for the application of quantum dots as targetable fluorescent probes in advanced biomedical studies. In particular, polymer encapsulated quantum dots showed only marginal loss of quantum yields when exposed to Cu2+ ions, which under nonoptimized conditions completely quenched quantum dot fluorescence. This will allow the application of copper-catalyzed click chemistry. Furthermore, by simple addition of functional surfactants or functional monomers during the seeded emulsion polymerization process, a broad range of in situ functionalized polymer-coated quantum dots were obtained. This was demonstrated by purposeful modulation of the zeta potential encapsulated of quantum dots and conjugation of dyestuff. Successful functionalization was unequivocally proven by total reflection X-ray fluorescence.

Synthesis and surface properties of self-crosslinking core–shell acrylic copolymer emulsions containing fluorine/silicone in the shell

Stable emulsions of a core–shell acrylic copolymer (non-crosslinkable V0, and crosslinkable V2, V4, V6, and V8, where the numbers indicate the wt% of crosslinking agent based on the total acrylate monomer content) containing butyl acrylate (BA, 45 wt%), glycidyl methacrylate (GMA, 45 wt%), heptadecafluorodecyl methacrylate (PFA, 10 wt%), and various contents of crosslinking agent (vinyltriethoxysilane, VTES) were synthesized using a three-stage seeded emulsion polymerization process with a small amount of surfactant. The average particle size and viscosity of emulsions increased significantly with increasing VTES content. This study examined the effects of the VTES content on the surface/mechanical properties of self-crosslinked copolymer film samples containing a fixed acrylate monomer content to find the optimum VTES content. XPS showed that the film–air surface of the copolymer samples had a higher fluorine/silicone content than the film–dish interface. The tensile strength/modulus, thermal stability, and two Tgs (α and β Tgs) of the film samples increased significantly with increasing VTES content. The contact angle of the film samples increased with increasing VTES content up to approximately 6 wt%, and then decreased slightly. The optimum VTES content was approximately 6 wt% based on the total acrylate monomer content to obtain a high water/oil repellent coating material (V6) with the highest water/methylene iodide-contact angles (118.2°/81.8°) and lowest surface energy (18.4 mN/m).

In Situ Functionalization and PEO Coating of Iron Oxide Nanocrystals Using Seeded Emulsion Polymerization

Herein we demonstrate that seeded emulsion polymerization is a powerful tool to produce multiply functionalized PEO coated iron oxide nanocrystals. Advantageously, by simple addition of functional surfactants, functional monomers, or functional polymerizable linkers-solely or in combinations thereof-during the seeded emulsion polymerization process, a broad range of in situ functionalized polymer-coated iron oxide nanocrystals were obtained. This was demonstrated by purposeful modulation of the zeta potential of encapsulated iron oxide nanocrystals and conjugation of a dyestuff. Successful functionalization was unequivocally proven by TXRF. Furthermore, the spatial position of the functional groups can be controlled by choosing the appropriate spacers. In conclusion, this methodology is highly amenable for combinatorial strategies and will spur rapid expedited synthesis and purposeful optimization of a broad scope of nanocrystals.

Synthesis and Characterization of Large Dimension PBA-P(MMA-ITA) Latex Particles with Core-Shell Morphology

In this paper, a novel large dimension poly(n-butyl acrylate)-poly(methyl methacrylate-itaconic acid) (PBA-P(MMA-ITA)) core-shell latex particles (CSR) with diameter of 200 nm∼300 nm were successfully synthesized via pre-emulsion and semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerization process. The analysis on the surface tension and coagulation rate of polymeric system, size and distribution of latex particles indicated that the composite emulsifier of sodium dodecyl sulfonate/polyoxyethylene nonyl phenyl ether (SDS/OP-10) had the best emulsified effect. The optimal ratio of SDS/OP-10 was 1:1 and its optimum dosage was 1.0% of monomer amount. FTIR analysis results confirmed that ITA participated in the copolymerization reaction and the chemical bond between P(MMA-ITA) copolymer and PBA core existed in the interfacial of core and shell. DSC analysis results showed that the glass transition temperature (T g) of P(MMA-ITA) copolymer increased with the increase of the ITA dosage and decreased with the increase of the core shell mass ratio. TEM images revealed that CSR particles had core-shell morphology indeed, but the particles’ core-shell morphology would be changed at higher ITA dosage and core shell mass ratio. The size of CSR particles was 330 nm, and the diameter of PBA core was 290 nm. ITA content in the shell of CSR particles was analyzed by non-aqueous acid-base titration. ITA content was the highest at 6% of ITA dosage, ITA amount which chemically bonded with PBA core was the highest at 8% of ITA dosage. When the core shell mass ratio was 60/40, ITA content and ITA amount which grafted onto PBA core were both the highest. ITA content of CSR particles achieved above 1.11% in this work, and it is completely possible for using CSR particles toughening and compatibilizing polyamide 6 (PA 6).

Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Emulsion Copolymers by Gradual Variation in Feed Composition. I: Effect of Particle Size in the Butyl Acrylate-Styrene System

Using a semicontinuous seeded emulsion polymerization process with a gradual variation in feed composition, butyl acrylate (BA)/styrene copolymers were obtained (variable composition copolymers, VCCs). BA seed particles of two different diameters were used to prepare copolymer materials with 50–85 wt.% styrene. In each reaction, cumulative copolymer composition was followed by 1H-NMR; with such data, a histogram showing the relative content of copolymer chains corresponding to each composition interval was built. The VCCs presented higher moduli and ultimate mechanostatical properties than their equivalent core-shell type polymers. The mechanical performance of VCC materials was explained considering the respective histograms.

A versatile method for the preparation of rigid submicron hollow capsules containing a temperature responsive shell

This paper presents a novel method for the preparation of temperature responsive and hollow polymer microcapsules consisting of a rigid cross-linked primary layer on the hollow core and temperature responsive shell. Temperature responsive and perfect core–shell structured magnetic polymer particles were prepared first by a two step seed emulsion polymerization process. i) Divinylbenzene (DVB) cross-linked magnetic@P(DVB) particles were obtained by the emulsion polymerization of DVB using potassium persulfate (KPS) as an initiator in the presence of an oil-in-water magnetic emulsion. ii) The magnetic@P(DVB) composite particles were then functionalized by the precipitation polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) with functional co-monomer aminoethylmethacrylate hydrochloride (AEMH) and cross-linker N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA). 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (V-50) was used as an initiator. Core–shell magnetic@P(DVB)@P(NIPAm-AEM) particles were then treated with concentrated HCl. The treatment with HCl dissolved the iron oxide nanoparticles from the magnetic core to form hollow P(DVB)@P(NIPAm-AEM) particles. The hollow structure of temperature responsive P(DVB)@P(NIPAm-AEM) particles prepared was confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) results prove that the P(DVB)@P(NIPAm-AEM) hollow microcapsules are submicron in size with a narrow size distribution, cationic surface charge and most importantly, volume phase transition above its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of P(NIPAm-AEM) shell. This volume phase transition behaviour of the P(NIPAm-AEM) shell can be utilised as an on/off switch in controlling the permeability of biomolecules or drugs into/from the hollow capsules.

Platinum nanoparticles from size adjusted functional colloidal particles generated by a seeded emulsion polymerization process

The benefits of miniemulsion and emulsion polymerization are combined in a seeded emulsion polymerization process with functional seed particles synthesized by miniemulsion polymerization. A systematic study on the influence of different reaction parameters on the reaction pathway is conducted, including variations of the amount of monomer fed, the ratio of initiator to monomer and the choice of surfactant and composition of the continuous phase. Critical parameters affecting the control of the reaction are determined. If carefully controlled, the seeded emulsion polymerization with functional seed particles yields monodisperse particles with adjustable size and functionalities. Size-adjusted platinum-acetylacetonate containing latex particles with identical seed particles and varied shell thicknesses are used to produce arrays of highly ordered platinum nanoparticles with different interparticle distances but identical particle sizes. For that, a self-assembled monolayer of functional colloids is prepared on a solid substrate and subsequently treated by oxygen plasma processing in order to remove the organic constituents. This step, however, leads to a saturated state of a residual mix of materials. In order to determine parameters influencing this saturation state, the type of surfactant, the amount of precursor loading and the size of the colloids are varied. By short annealing at high temperatures platinum nanoparticles are generated from the saturated state particles. Typically, the present fabrication method delivers a maximum interparticle distance of about 260 nm for well-defined crystalline platinum nanoparticles limited by deformation processes due to softening of the organic material during the plasma applications.

Highly temperature responsive core–shell magnetic particles: Synthesis, characterization and colloidal properties

Temperature responsive magnetic polymer submicron particles were prepared by two step seed emulsion polymerization process. First, magnetic seed polymer particles were obtained by emulsion polymerization of styrene using potassium persulfate (KPS) as an initiator and divinylbenzne (DVB) as a cross-linker in the presence of oil-in-water magnetic emulsion (organic ferrofluid droplets). Thereafter, DVB cross-linked magnetic polymer particles were used as seed in the precipitation polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) to induce thermosensitive PNIPAM shell onto the hydrophobic polymer surface of the cross-linked magnetic polymer particles. To impart cationic functional groups in the thermosensitive PNIPAM backbone, the functional monomer aminoethylmethacrylate hydrochloride (AEMH) was used to polymerize with NIPAM while N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) and 2, 2′-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (V-50) were used as a cross-linker and as an initiator respectively. The effect of seed to monomer (w/w) ratio along with seed nature on the final particle morphology was investigated. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) results demonstrated particles swelling at below volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) and deswelling above the VPTT. The perfect core (magnetic) shell (polymer) structure of the particles prepared was confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The chemical composition of the particles were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effect of temperature, pH, ionic strength on the colloidal properties such as size and zeta potential of the micron sized thermo-sensitive magnetic particles were also studied. In addition, a short mechanistic discussion on the formation of core–shell morphology of magnetic polymer particles has also been discussed.

Synthesis and characterization of magnetic and non-magnetic core–shell polyepoxide micrometer-sized particles of narrow size distribution

Core polystyrene microspheres of narrow size distribution were prepared by dispersion polymerization of styrene in a mixture of ethanol and 2-methoxy ethanol. Uniform polyglycidyl methacrylate/polystyrene core–shell micrometer-sized particles were prepared by emulsion polymerization at 73 °C of glycidyl methacrylate in the presence of the core polystyrene microspheres. Core–shell particles with different properties (size, surface morphology and composition) have been prepared by changing various parameters belonging to the above seeded emulsion polymerization process, e.g., volumes of the monomer glycidyl methacrylate and the crosslinker monomer ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. Magnetic Fe 3O 4/polyglycidyl methacrylate/polystyrene micrometer-sized particles were prepared by coating the former core–shell particles with magnetite nanoparticles via a nucleation and growth mechanism. Characterization of the various particles has been accomplished by routine methods such as light microscopy, SEM, FTIR, BET and magnetic measurements.