Micron-size uniform poly(methyl methacrylate) particles by dispersion polymerization in polar media 1. Particle size and particle size distribution

Monodisperse poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles in the size range o f 1-5 mu m were prepared by unseeded dispersion polymerization in methanol- water media using ate-type initiator and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) or poly(v inyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) as a steric dispersant. The influences of various p olymerization parameters, such as polymerization temperature and time, conc entration and type of initiator, concentration, type and molecular weight o f dispersant, composition of the reaction media including dispersed medium and monomer, content of electrolyte and crosslinking agent on the particle size and particle size distribution were systematically investigated. (C) 2 000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.