Synthesis and characterization of emulsifier-free quaternarized vinylbenzylchloride latexes

Polycationic polymers have been obtained through a two-step procedure. First, poly-vinylbenzylchloride P(VBC)] latexes were prepared under emulsifier-free conditions using a cationic initiator: 2,2-azobis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride; then the resulting latexes were reacted with trimethylamine. Particular attention was paid to side reactions occurring during the hydrolysis of the chloromethyl groups and the crosslinking reaction due to a transfer reaction onto polymer. The influence of various parameters on the particle size and structure of latexes as well as secondary reactions were investigated through a careful characterization.