Crosslinking network structure governing particle shape and size distribution by one-step emulsion polymerization in the presence of particle coagulation

In this study, sub-200 nm, crosslinked latex particles with a narrow particle size distribution were prepared by one-step emulsion polymerization in the presence of particle coagulation. The relationship between the particle shape and particle coagulation was investigated by varying the time of crosslinking network structure formation and particle coagulation. Particles with irregular shapes such as doublet, triplet, and ellipsoid were obtained using divinylbenzene (DVB) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the crosslinking agents, because the crosslinking network structure of particles was formed before the particle coagulation. In contrast, latex particles with a uniform spherical shape were also prepared using triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) or dihydrodicyclopentadienyl acrylate (DCPA) as the crosslinking agents by delaying the time of crosslinking network structure formation. Alternatively, uniform spherical latex particles were prepared by bringing forward the particle coagulation time using cationic initiator, 2, 2'-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH). This study presents a new idea that would further broaden the application of particle coagulation in emulsion polymerization.