SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYSTYRENE CORE POLYACROLEIN SHELLLATEXES

The poly(styrene/acrolein) latexes were synthesized in an emulsifier-f ree emulsion-precipitation polymerization. Monodisperse particles from 0.30 mum to 0.52 mum, depending on the acrolein monomer feed, were ob tained. More acrolein in the monomer feed yielded latex particles with smaller diameters. Analyses indicate that the particles have a core-s hell morphology. The core is rich in the hydrophobic (polystyrene) com ponent whereas the shell is composed mainly of hydrophilic polyacrolei n. Significant changes in polyacrolein in the latexes (from 0.03 to 0. 28) has less influence on the composition of the shell (from 0.5 to 0. 84, respectively). The surface of the latex particles is smooth and ca n be penetrated by 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine to the depth from 1.5 t o 3.5 angstrom. These poly(styrene/acrolein) latexes are capable of bi nding ca. 3 mg of human globulins or ca. 1 mg of human serum albumin o n 1 m2 of the latex surface.