Preparation of styrene/methacrylic acid copolymer microspheres and their composites with metal particles

Poly(styrene-co-methacrylic acid) [P(St-co-MAA)] microspheres were prepared by emulsifier-free emulsion copolymerization of St with MAA. Fourier transform IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis were used to study the change in the content of MAA in the microspheres. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements indicated the presence of carboxylic functionality on the surface of the microspheres. The P(St-co-MAA) metal composite particles were prepared by chemical metal deposition. Transmission electron microscopy observation and X-ray diffraction measurement were used to study the distribution and structure of the metal particles deposited.