Controlled aggregation of polymer latices part 1. Synthesis and characterization of a model system

As a prerequisite for studying the controlled aggregation of polymer colloi ds, a model system was obtained in two major steps: synthesis of a monodisp erse polystyrene latex and cleaning of the resultant colloid. The first ste p was an emulsion polymerization process in which the particle size was con trolled by the surfactant concentration. Serum replacement was used in the second step to remove undesired chemicals, involved or produced in the prev ious step. Electrophoretic properties and surface charge densities of the l atices produced were obtained by means of xi potential measurements and con ductometric titrations. These parameters are discussed in connection with t he characteristics of the polymer material and process variables.