Preparation of Monodisperse, Fluorescent PMMA–Latex Colloids by Dispersion Polymerization

Abstract

We report a single step procedure to prepare monodisperse colloidal poly (

Dispersion polymerization in non-polar solvent: Evolution toward emerging applications

“…[40] In a second case, fluorescent monomers were prepared in a first instance and copolymerized in the dispersion polymerization process with MMA and methacrylic acid (MA). [41,42,43,44,45] Here the fluorescent monomers were added in the reaction medium and were covalently bound to the particle core. In a particular case, the crosslinked core was subsequently used as a seed to grow the particles further in the absence of the dye to obtain a fluorescent core-nonfluorescent shell structure allowing for better particle visualization using confocal microscopy.…”

“…In a particular case, the crosslinked core was subsequently used as a seed to grow the particles further in the absence of the dye to obtain a fluorescent core-nonfluorescent shell structure allowing for better particle visualization using confocal microscopy. [43,44] For instance, such particles have been used for efficiently tracking single particles in colloidal crystals ( Figure 4) [41][42][43][44]46], and more recently in clusters of controlled number of particles [45] and in structures assembled upon applying an electric field.…”

“…Although the original report was found in the patent literature, the work by Antl et al [38] has been taken as reference in most of the academic publications. [39,41,42,57,58] Using this approach, PHSA homopolymer ( Figure 6) was firstly prepared by polycondensation of 12-hydroxy stearic acid in toluene, usually in the presence of a sulphonic acid catalyst, such as methane sulfonic acid. To achieve sufficient conversion and avoid hydrolysis (i.e.…”

“…This polymer, which only interacts via weak physical interactions with the latex particle surface, has been extensively studied by Barrett et al [56] and Hu et al [59]. It was also used by Hu et al [40], Jardine et al [42] and Bosma et al [41] for syntheses involving the incorporation of a fluorescent dye into the resultant latex. Its synthesis is very similar to the PHSA-g-PMMA-PGMA discussed is copolymerized with a mixture of MMA/MA at 98:2 (w/w) rather than a mixture MMA/GMA.…”

“…The polymerization is thermically initiated (80°C) and kept under an inert atmosphere at all times, following the procedure of Antl et al [38] and subsequent research reports. [39,41,42,58] Cairns et al [57] also reported a seeded polymerization which involves the early formation of seeded latex and a subsequent slow continuous introduction of a feed solution. After the latex formation is complete (typically 2 hours), and in order to prevent possible desorption of stabilizer from the latex particle surface, the PHSA-g-PMMA-PGMA copolymer is chemically reacted to the particle surface (second step).…”