EFFECT OF SURFACTANT CONFIGURATIONS ON MINIEMULSION POLYMERIZATION

In the adsorbed state, the molecular area (A(c)) of fatty alcohol (FA) decreases and the hydrodynamic layer thickness (delta) of mixed-surfa ctant (FA + sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS) increases with increasing alk yl chain length of FA. In bulk solution, the hydrodynamic volume of mi xed-surfactant (FA + SDS) increases with increasing alkyl chain length of FA. In both states the FAs were solubilized by SDS. These results reflect that a FA with a shorter alkyl chain length can stabilize a la rger total particle surface area on latex and form smaller particles. The increase in the content of FA leads to increases in delta and part icle size, and a decrease in polymerization rate. It may be plausible to consider that the FA has a rather rigid configuration in water. The degree to which the size of monomer droplets can be reduced may be re lated to the rigidity of the FA.