Polymer metal composite microspheres: Preparation and characterization of poly(St-co-AN)Ni microspheres

Poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (P(St-co-AN)) microspheres were prepared by emulsifier-free emulsion copolymerization of styrene and acrylonitrile. Presence of cyano groups on the surface of these microspheres was confirmed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic analysis. By the method of chemical metal deposition, nickel particles were formed and deposited on the surface of microspheres to form polymer metal composite microspheres which showed magnetic properties. Transmission electron microscope observation showed that nickel particles of small size (15–50 nm) were attached and distributed over the surface of P(St-co-AN) microspheres. X-ray diffraction proved that the nickel particles were in zerovalent state.