Seeded semicontinuous emulsion copolymerization of methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, and phosphonated methacrylates: Kinetics and morphology

A series of methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, and phosphonated methacrylate (MAPHOS) copolymers were prepared by seeded semicontinuous emulsion polymerization under monomer‐starved conditions by varying the amount and nature of phosphonated methacrylates (diester, monoacid, and diacid). The effects on the kinetics, molecular weight distribution, and particle size distribution were investigated. The molecular weights and particle growth were affected by the amount of acidic MAPHOS in the recipe. Secondary nucleation occurred above a critical concentration of acidic MAPHOS (5 wt %). Characterization of the latices by elemental analysis provided information on the phosphonic acid location and showed that phosphonic oligomers were formed in the aqueous phase. Particle size data and electrophoretic behavior of the latex afforded a discussion on the particle surface morphology.