Studies of particle size distribution and adsorption of stabilizers in dispersion polymerization

The conditions for obtaining stable dispersions of 10‐μ droplets of monomer in an aqueous phase using steric and electrostatic stabilizers, were studied. The nature and concentration of the surfactant in the aqueous phase has an important effect on the size of the droplets and the stability of the dispersion during the polymerization reaction. The amount of polyvinylalcohol adsorbed on the interface was measured and the rate of desorption was shown to be very slow. It was also shown that sodium dodecyl sulfate, on the other hand, is more readily desorbed. These findings have an effect on the amount of the submicron emulsion particles formed during the polymerization process.