Using Nonconventional Structures as Protective Colloids in the Dispersion Polymerization of 2 -Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate with a Comonomer with Spiroacetal Moiety

Abstract

The study reports the synthesis of a copolymer based on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and 3, 9-divinyl-2, 4, 8, 10-tetraoxaspiro (5.5) undecane acquired through radical polymerization in the presence of 2, 2'-Azobis (2-methylpropionitrile). The polymerization process was conducted in the presence of a classic ionic surfactant – sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) – and comparatively using two variants of protective colloid:  cyclodextrin (CD) and poly(aspartic acid)(PAS) respectively. The polymers compositions were confirmed by FTIR spectra. SEM and AFM investigations of the polymer morphology are also presented. It was concluded on the proper critical micellar concentration for used tensioactive substances, respectively attributing a mixed mode of particle nucleation (micellar and homogeneous nucleation) in case of synthesis with SLS and an entropic mechanism of stabilization with CD and PAS as stabilizers. The mean particle size and size distribution, as well as zeta potential and conductivity determination on the prepared polymeric particles attest a relatively monodisperse distribution for the particle size; particles with negatively charged surfaces and copolymers conductivity prepared in the presence of PAS or CD increased by several orders against homopolymer.