Novel gemini-type reactive dispersants based on PS/PEO block copolymers: Synthesis and application

In this paper, the possibilities offered by anionic polymerization were exp loited to engineer well-defined PS-b-PEO2 gemini-type dispersants that were fitted with terminal styrenic groups. Two routes were explored to obtain t his novel generation of surfactants whose thorough characterization indicat ed that they exhibit the expected molecular structure. These reactive block copolymers have been subsequently used as surfactants in the emulsion poly merization of styrene to stabilize the colloidal particles formed. The kine tics of polymerization in the presence of such reactive surfactants were sh own to differ from the case involving PS-b-PEO linear macromonomers as surf actants.