MICRON-SIZED POLYMERIC MICROSPHERE BY SUSPENSION POLYMERIZATION

A new suspension polymerization process that generates narrow-size distribution and spherical particles in the range of 3-10 microns is described. In the new process, the monomer and water phases are held in separate vessels and fed at an accurate rate to a mechanical disperser, where small, uniform droplets of monomer are formed. The monomer droplets are then fed to a reaction vessel where the monomer is polymerized. The size of the polymerized particles can be effectively controlled by adjusting the disperser speed. A scanning electron microscope was employed to show the spherical nature of the particles. (C) 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.