Synthesis of amphiphilic microspheres by suspension copolymerization of styrene and poly(ethylene oxide) macromonomer

Amphiphilic microspheres, ranging in size from 3 to 35 mum, were prepared b y suspension copolymerization of styrene with poly(ethylene oxide) vinylben zyl (PEO-VB) macromonomer by changing polymerization conditions. It was fou nd that an increase in the amount of dispersant and the PEO-VB concentratio n resulted in decreases of the size and size distribution of amphiphilic mi crospheres. The morphology, size, and size distribution of amphiphilic micr ospheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The structure of copolymer was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, elemental analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The content of the hydroxyl groups localized in the microspheres ranged from 0. 05 to 0.2 mmol/g. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.