Effect of the polymerization parameters on the morphology and spherical particle size of poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) prepared by precipitation polymerization

Poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) microspheres having a diameter range of 3.0-4.5 mum were synthesized by precipitation polymerization under various conditions, then the effects of the polymerization parameters such as monomer and initiator concentration, and used cosolvents on the characteristics of the final particles were compared with those in dispersion polymerization. It was found that precipitation polymerization is more sensitive to polymerization conditions than dispersion polymerization, and that precise control of polymerization parameters is therefore essential for individually stable spherical particles. Monomer and initiator concentration, and the use of cosolvents significantly vary the morphology and the size of the final particles. However, the uniformity of the microspheres is not greatly affected by the polymerization parameters.