Synthesis and characterization of poly (N-ethylmethacrylamide) thermosensitive latex particles

Thermosensitive crosslinked polymer latexes exhibiting high "Volume phase t ransition temperature" (T-VPT) have been prepared by a batch precipitation polymerization process using N-ethylmethacrylamide (NEMAM) as main monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinker and potassium pers ulfate (KPS) as the initiator. The effect of KPS on the water soluble polym er formation and on the final particle size of the prepared microgel partic les was investigated and discussed. The thermosensitivity of the final part icles was revealed both by particle size analysis using QELS (Quasi-elastic light scattering) and optical density as a function of temperature. Tn add ition, the swelling ability of the prepared microgels reflected the cross-l ink density of the particles.