Emulsion polymerization of polystyrene-co-acrylic acid with Cu2O incorporation

Abstract

In this research, poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid-Cu) was prepared via emulsion polymerization.Cu contents were varied as 10%, 15% and 20% and mol ratio of styrene to acrylic acid as 1:1 and 2:1. Structure and surface of poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid-Cu) were characterized by FTIR (Fourier Transformed Infra Red), NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), and SEM/EDX (Scanning Electron Microcope/ Energy Dispersive X-Ray) spectroscopy. The NMR spectra showed that the polymer was formed, however FTIR spectra showed that there were still unreacted monomers. SEM-EDX confirmed that copper (Cu) was dispersed uniformly on poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid-Cu) matrix.