Synthesis of core-shell polymer particles in supercritical carbon dioxide via iterative monomer addition

A new, robust methodology for the synthesis of polystyrene-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-PMMA) core-shell particles using seeded dispersion polymerisation in supercritical carbon dioxide is reported, where the core-shell ratio can be controlled predictably via manipulation of reagent stoichiometry. The key development is the application of an iterative addition of the MMA shell monomer to the pre-prepared PS core. Analysis of the materials with differing core-shell ratios indicates that all are isolated as single particle populations with distinct and controllable core-shell morphologies.

Automated summary

A new and robust methodology is reported for the synthesis of PS-PMMA core-shell particles using seeded dispersion polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide. The core-shell ratio can be predictably controlled by manipulating the reagent stoichiometry. The key development is the iterative addition of the MMA shell monomer to the pre-prepared PS core, resulting in isolated single particle populations with distinct and controllable core-shell morphologies.