Polyreactions in miniemulsions

The process of miniemulsification allows the generation of small homogeneou s, and stable droplets of monomer or polymer precursors, which are then tra nsformed by (as many as possible) polymer reactions to the final polymer la texes, keeping their particular identity without serious exchange kinetics being involved. The main focus of this Review is laid on a detailed descrip tion of the working principles of miniemulsions, the examination of the kin etics during the polymerization process, and the generation of different pa rticle structures by appropriate thermodynamic handling. It will be shown t hat the strength of miniemulsions is the formation of polymeric nanoparticl es consisting of polymers or polymer structures, which are not accessible b y other types of heterophase polymerization. Non-radical polymerizations an d the formation of hybrid materials by the encapsulation of resins, inorgan ic materials, or liquids are some examples showing the wide applicability o f miniemulsions also for technologically relevant questions. With the minie mulsification of molten inorganic materials followed by a reaction, miniemu lsions cross the border of polymers and open new possibilities in the fabri cation of solid particles for material science.