Microsphere synthesis by dispersion copolymerizations using poly(t-butyl methacrylate) macromonomers in nonaqueous media

Polymer microspheres were synthesized by dispersion copolymerization of div inylbenzene (DVB) with vinylbenzyl-terminated poly (t-butyl methacrylate) ( PBMA) macromonomers in nonaqueous media (methanol and acetonitrile). The pa rticle diameter increased gradually with an increase of the DVB concentrati on in methanol or acetonitrile. The particle size distribution was very nar row. PBMA macromonomers acted not only as a comonomer but also as a stabili zer. The particle diameters obtained in acetonitrile were smaller than thos e obtained in methanol. Thus, we observed a tendency in which the more solu ble for PBMA macromonomer the media became, the smaller the particle size b ecame. (C) 2001 Academic Press.