Micron-size functional uniform PMMA particles by dispersion copolymerization in polar media

A series of monodisperse copolymer particles in the size range of 1-5 mu m are prepared by unseeded batch dispersion copolymerization of methyl methac rylate as major monomer in methanol-water medium using an ate-type initiato r and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) as steric dispersant. The effects of type and concentration of comonomer on the latex stability, the particle size and m onodispersity of the copolymer particles are investigated. Moreover, the pa rtitioning of the functional group dissolved in the supernatant, physically adsorbed and chemically anchored on the surface of the copolymer particles , and buried within the copolymer particles determined directly by conducto metric titration are tentatively discussed.