One-step batch synthesis of high solids monodisperse styrene/glycidyl methacrylate and styrene/methacrylic acid emulsion copolymers

Surfactant-free emulsion copolymerizations of styrene (St) with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and styrene (St) with methacrylic acid (MAA), initiated by either potassium or ammonium persulfate, have been carried out to assess the possibility of making monodisperse latices of relatively high solids content (similar to30-50 wt %) in a one-step batch process. Evaluation of the effect of the functional comonomer content in the range 2-40 wt % and the latex solids content in the range 2-33 wt % has allowed identification of compositions which do indeed allow monodisperse particles to be prepared at solid contents up to 33 wt % in a one-pot process. In addition, a monodisperse sample with both epoxy and carboxylic acid functionalities has been successfully prepared at 33 wt % solids contents.