Synthesis and characterization of novel cross-linking poly(butyl acrylate-co-isobornyl methacrylate) colloids prepared via semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerization

The novel cross-linking (butyl acrylate-co-isobornyl methacrylate) colloids are prepared via semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerization of butyl acrylate, isobornyl methacrylate and N-methylol acrylamide in aqueous phase using mixture of polyethylene glycol mono(octylphenyl) ether and sodium dodecyl sulphate as emulsifier and potassium persulphate as initiator. The optimal composition for preparing the novel cross-linking colloid was determined, and the structure of the as-prepared colloid was confirmed with FTIR spectrum. The formation of colloidal polymer was also corroborated by a difference between glass transition temperatures of colloid film and corresponding homopolymers. Calorimetry measurements showed that the colloid is composed of random copolymer. The particle size distribution exhibits unimodal character, suggesting a high stability of the colloid polymer.