Particle size distribution and shell polymerization of PBA/PMMA core/shell latex

PBA/PMMA core shell latex was prepared with starve-feed semi-batch method. The effect of the shell monomer feed rate and the applied amount of emulsifier on the particle size and its distribution and total number of particles were studied. The evolution of particle size was monitored through particle size analyzer. And the existence of core-shell particles was confirmed through contrasting the theoretical total particle numbers of latex at different stages. The FT-IR spectrum showed the core/shell structure of latex particles as well. The results showed that emulsifier played an important role in the formation of core/shell structure. Homogeneous polymerization of PMMA and new particle formation were favored at high emulsifier. Hydrophobic oligomers of PMMA at low emulsifier were preferentially adsorbed on PBA core particles and that resulted in formation of core shell structure.