Synthesis and characterization of cationic amino functionalized polystyrene latexes

Amino-functionalized latex particles were obtained batchwise by emulsion copolymerization of styrene and vinylbenzylamine hydrochloride (VBAH) in the presence of 2-2-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) HCl (V50). Size monodispersity of the particles was improved by using divinylbenzene (DVB) as a third monomer at a 2% molar ratio. Surface amino group titration was performed spectrometrically with N-succinimidyl 3-(2 pyridyldithio)propionate (SPDP). The yields of functional monomer incorporation were up to 85%.