polystyrene and SDS on the alumina surface but also showed that the emergence of characteristic polystyrene peaks with reaction time followed the induction period observed for free radical polymerization. When corrected for mass transfer effects, the conversion as a function of time obeyed classical Smith-Ewart reaction kinetics. Film thicknesses corresponding to theoretical admicelle dimensions were observed by ellipsometry but only after reaction times corresponding to significant conversions of the monomer to the polymer. Films formed under conditions where the reaction is restricted to the admicelle are not visible under the metallograph, but films formed under conditions where emulsion polymerization had begun exhibited spherical polymer particles on the surface when observed under the metallograph.