Synthesis of PMMA and PMMA/PS nanoparticles by microemulsion polymerization with a new vapor monomer feeding system

Well-defined nanoscale poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles have been successfully prepared by microemulsion polymerization with a new vapor monomer feeding system. Different from the traditional monomer feeding methods of microemulsion polymerization, the monomer feeding as gas phase was investigated in this study. PMMA nanoparticles with number-average diameter of 18.4 nm have been achieved with the surfactant/monomer weight ratio of 0.15, which was much lower than the corresponding amounts reported in the literatures. Furthermore, PMMA/polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites were prepared by the same method with the PMMA nanoparticles as the seed. Narrow size distribution and lower surfactant carry-over were detected by dynamic light scattering, field emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy.