Dye distribution in fluorescent‐labeled latex prepared by emulsion polymerization

Emulsion polymerizations were used for preparing fluorescent‐labeled polymers. The labeled polymers were analyzed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using both fluorescence (FL) and refractive index (RI) as detectors. The uniformity of polymer labeling was measured by the ratio between FL and RI signals, calculated by a computer software, on the basis of each GPC chromatogram. It was found that in emulsion polymerizations, the semicontinuous process can produce a more homogenous dye distribution in the host polymer molecules than the batch method. Uniform labeling of a polymer with various dyes can be achieved by the semi‐continuous process. However, experimental conditions for polymerization, such as initiator concentration and the presence of surfactant or chain transfer agent, may influence the uniformity of dye distribution.