Emulsion polymerizations in the presence of beta-cyclodextrin

Poly(butyl methacrylate) particles were prepared using an emulsion polymeri zation procedure with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) in place of the surfactan t. The rate of polymerization was lower than in the equivalent sulphate sur factant stabilized emulsion polymerizations. Particle size and molecular we ight distributions were unimodal and did not show any dependance on beta-CD concentration. However, the average molecular weight was, in all beta-CD c ontaining polymerizations, significantly higher than in polymerizations in the absence of both surfactant and beta-CD. beta-CD had little effect on th e behaviour of surfactant-containing systems. A tentative explanation, invo lving the enhancement of colloidal stability by poly(butyl methacrylate) in cluded by beta-CD amphiphilic polymers, is proposed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.