Immobilization of cationic polymer particles having active ester groups onto solid surfaces

Monodispersed cationic polymer particles with sulfonium groups and active ester groups at their surfaces were prepared by emulsifier-free emulsion copolymerization of styrene (ST) with a water-soluble active ester monomer, methacryloyloxyphenyldimethylsulfonium methylsulfate (MAPDS). The cationic polymer particle monolayers were fabricated on unmodified and aminated glass plates by electrostatic interactions and chemical reactions, respectively. The polymer particles were immobilized onto unmodified glass plates at relatively regular intervals in the absence of electrolytes, and the morphology of particle monolayers on the glass plates was changed with solid content of latex, electrolyte and cationic surfactant concentration. The polymer particles were immobilized onto aminated glass plate as aggregates by controlling the pH of latex and electrolyte concentration. Remaining active ester groups of the particle monolayers were confirmed to react easily with primary amino compounds.