Pickering emulsion polymerization of styrene towards alfa-functionalized polystyrene latex: parameters and process conditions

Abstract

Polymerization conditions in the Pickering emulsion of colloidal silica-stabilized polystyrene latex were optimized. The influence of process conditions on various parameters, including particle size and distribution was investigated. Monomodal particles distribution was obtained by conducting the process at a temperature of 80°C in a slightly acidic environment (pH = 5), while maintaining fast monomer conversion. It has been shown that the amount of stabilizer used in the polymerization process affects the rate of polymerization, therefore the temperature of the process should be adjusted to the amount of colloidal silica used in the process.