Influence of the Surfactant Concentration on Miniemulsion Polymerization for the Preparation of Hybrid Nanoparticles

WOS: 000309919000008The surfactant concentration in miniemulsion polymerization is a very important parameter. At surfactant concentrations lower than a critical value, coalescence of monomer droplets changes their size, whereas concentrations too high lead to the formation of micelles and micellar nucleation in the polymerization step. Inorganic particles dispersed in the monomer phase, with the goal to produce hybrid particles, influence the surfactant concentration needed as shown in this contribution. Values for the ideal surfactant concentration have been determined for different combinations of particles and surfactant. Underlying mechanisms for the required adjustment of surfactant concentration are discussed.German Research FoundationGerman Research Foundation (DFG) [SPP1273, LA1013/-14-1, SCHU 1417/6-1]; federal ministry of education and researchFederal Ministry of Education & Research (BMBF) [13N10296]This work was financially supported by the German Research Foundation within the program SPP1273 (Research grants LA1013/-14-1 and SCHU 1417/6-1). The Drop and Bubble Shape Tensiometer PAT-1 from SINTERFACE Technologies was kindly provided by the JointLab IP3, a joint initiative of KIT and BASF. Financial support by the federal ministry of education and research (project 13N10296) is gratefully acknowledged