FREE-RADICAL POLYMERIZATION OF STYRENE IN DIOCTADECYLDIMETHYLAMMONIUMBROMIDE VESICLES

The novel radical polymerization of an unsaturated monomer in the hydr ophobic part of vesicles is attempted using the experience gathered fr om kinetic and thermodynamic studies of the emulsion polymerization pr ocess. The influence of the monomer content of the system and also the initiation of the polymerization are discussed. A free radical polyme rization of styrene in dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide vesicles is performed. Evidence of the formation of polymer-containing vesicles i s obtained by means of electron microscopy and the comparison of the d iffusion rate of a paramagnetic probe over the bilayer of vesicles and polymer-containing vesicles.