Preparation of carboxyl-coated polystyrene nanoparticles using oleic acid

Abstract

Novel carboxyl group-decorated crosslinked polystyrene nanoparticles were prepared via the soapless emulsion polymerisation of styrene and divinyl benzene with oleic acid as functional comonomer. The existence of the surface carboxyl group was verified by zeta potential analysis. Particle sizes of the functional nanoparticles prepared with the proposed method were found to be in the range of 60-100 nm by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analyses. Functionalised nanoparticles are proposed as carriers for biomolecules or drugs.