Encapsulation of carbon black by surfactant free emulsion polymerization process

Abstract

The drive to remove emulsion polymerization's dependence on surfactant, while obtaining stable and homogeneous latex after polymerization is of vital importance in the coming decades due to the disadvantage of contamination of the final product by emulsifier. Carbon black encapsulation by surfactant free emulsion polymerization was investigated. Polymer of sodium sulfonated styrene - styrene - butylacrylate was synthesized in presence of carbon black at various concentrations. Monomer conversion and solid content were calculated. H-1 NMR, DSC, GPC, DLS, SEM, and TEM were used to characterize the latex particle. The effect of PEG on particle size, reaction behavior, and polymer properties of final latex particles was investigated. Latex particle size in the range of 120-150 nm with low PDI is obtained. Spherical shape with core shell structure of CB encapsulated polymer particle with homogeneous distribution is observed in SEM and TEM micrographs.