SYNTHESIS OF NANOSIZE LATEXES BY REVERSE MICELLE POLYMERIZATION

The synthesis and the characterization of didecyldimethylammonium meth acrylate, a new polymerizable surfactant forming reverse micelles in t oluene, have been performed. The reverse micelles have been characteri zed by small-angle X-ray, small-angle neutron, and dynamic quasi-elast ic light scattering experiments. These microemulsions have been UV irr adiated in the presence of azobis(isobutyronitrile), at various water contents. For the first time, it has been possible to make monodispers e nanosize latexes in the size range of 2-5 nm by reverse micelle poly merization.