Atom transfer radical emulsion polymerization (emulsion ATRP) of styrene with water-soluble initiator

This study presents styrene emulsion polymerization initiated in aqueous media through an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) mechanism. The water-soluble initiator employed in this process has been synthesized by our team by reacting diethanolamine with α-bromoisobutyryl bromide. The complexation of CuBr was realized by using a bicomponent complexation system comprised of 2,2′-bipyridine and N,N,N′,N′,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine. The initiator ratio influence on the obtained emulsion was studied. The obtained latexes and polymer particles have been characterized by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and gel permeation chromatography.