FREE-RADICAL POLYMERIZATION OF STYRENE IN DIOCTADECYLDIMETHYLAMMONIUM BROMIDE VESICLES

The novel radical polymerization of an unsaturated monomer in the hydrophobic part of vesicles is attempted using the experience gathered from kinetic and thermodynamic studies of the emulsion polymerization process. The influence of the monomer content of the system and also the initiation of the polymerization are discussed. A free radical polymerization of styrene in dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide vesicles is performed. Evidence of the formation of polymer-containing vesicles is obtained by means of electron microscopy and the comparison of the diffusion rate of a paramagnetic probe over the bilayer of vesicles and polymer-containing vesicles.