Hybrid polymer particles by miniemulsion polymerisation

Hybrid particles of polyester/polystyrene were prepared by miniemulsion polymerisation in the absence of any co-surfactant. Solutions of a commercial polyester and styrene were homogenised by an ultrasound technique and the styrene was polymerised to yield nanoparticles with an average diameter of about 100 nm. The effects of different parameters on particle size and monomer conversion were investigated. Increasing the monomer content in the oil phase decreased the drop size after sonification, but increased the rate of polymerisation. The size of particles, as well as the rate of polymerisation, increased with the volume fraction of the dispersed phase.