Block copolymers have known applications as dispersing agents, with research traditionally focusing on composition, molecular weight, and topology of the copolymer; the molecular weight dispersity is not typically studied as a design parameter, but its effects on overall performance may be significant. An important industrial concern is that achieving very low dispersity will add cost, but it is not known to what extent it will deliver enhanced performance. This research investigates poly(styrene)-b-poly(acrylic acid) block copolymers, synthesized by nitroxide-mediated radical polymerization, as protective colloids in the emulsion polymerization of styrene. The effect of molecular weight dispersity of the stabilizing block on stabilization behaviour is studied, independent of molecular weight and composition, using a series of copolymer blends with variable dispersity (Figure 1). Stabilization behaviour is evaluated by the size, distribution, and nucleation of particles, as well as self-assembly properties including critical micelle concentration and aggregation number.

Amphiphilic block copolymers as protective colloids: Effects of molecular weight dispersity

248th National Meeting (2014)

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