On the preparation of stable poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) nanoparticles

A comprehensive experimental study of aqueous heterophase homopolymerization of 2-hydroxyetyl methacrylate revealed special conditions that must be fulfilled in order to obtain stable latex particles in the nanometer size range. The results clearly show that the formation and the stability of this kind of hydrophilic latex particle strongly depends on the hydrophobic-hydrophilic properties of both the initiating radicals and the stabilizers. Hydrophobic initiators in combination with sodium alkyl sulfate surfactants of proper chain lengths or ionic surface-active initiators lead to stable latex particles. In the latter case the particles keep their identity and spherical shape even after drying of the aqueous dispersion.