Study on the morphology in composite emulsion particles produced by seed emulsion polymerization

Abstract

Abstract A series of poly(ethyl acrylate)/polystyrene composite emulsions with different compositions and levels of emulsifier was produced by seed emulsion polymerization. The morphology of the composite particles was inferred from their coalescence ability detected by torsional braid analysis. It was found that the poly(ethyl acrylate) will partially move to the exterior of the particles when using it as a seed, and the increase of surface tension of the particles can enhance this diffusion.