Synthesis of spike‐ball‐like polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) composite particles via seeded polymerization

Abstract

Abstract A synthesis method for the production of novel spike‐ball‐like polymer particles is presented based on seeded dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate monomer in the presence of polystyrene seeds with poly(vinyl alcohol) as stabilizer and myristyl peroxydicarbonate as initiator. The particles resulting from the controlled aggregation of swollen particles during polymerization showed a salami‐like morphology with polystyrene cores and poly(methyl methacrylate) shells. The long spikes had the same morphology and were formed by the step‐by‐step addition of smaller particles on the surface of the larger particles during polymerization. The resulting particles have potential applications as templates to make micron‐sized electronics and biomaterials. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry