Microsphere synthesis by dispersion copolymerization of methyl methacrylate with poly(acrylic acid) macromonomers: pH effect on microsphere formation

The pH effect on microsphere formation in the dispersion copolymerization of methyl methacrylate with vinylbenzyl-terminated poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) macromonomers is studied. The diameter of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microspheres is minimum around pH = 8. Dynamic light scattering data indicate that the shell thickness of PAA-grafted chains shows a maximum around this pH. The degree of expansion of PAA chains drastically affects the particle size of PMMA microspheres during the dispersion copolymerization.